The Commerce Department said last week that it would delay its decision on whether to impose antidumping duties on the import of Chinese silicon-based PV modules until May 17. The trade complaint was lodged by the Coalition for American Solar Manufacturing (CASM), a group led by PV manufacturer SolarWorld USA.

CASM argues that US PV manufacturers are hurt by the effects of Chinese imports, which are sold at below-market costs because of government subsidies.

The trade case isn’t pleasing everyone in the U.S., however.

The Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy (CASE), which consists of solar installers and manufacturers—as does CASM—opposes the trade complaints. As the dispute rages on, two of CASM’s other supporters have recently announced their public support for the trade actions.

They are Milwaukee-based Helios Solar Works and New Jersey-based MX Solar USA.

The delay follows the delay by the International Trade Commission to March 19 into its investigation of whether to impose countervailing duties on Chinese silicon-based PV. The delays are somewhat of a disappointment to CASM.

“In the sense that China’s illegal trade practices are still affecting domestic producers, all of whom now are smaller and therefore more vulnerable than we are,” said SolarWorld and CASM spokesperson Ben Santarris. “Each week that these practices continue without being addressed is another week of unfair competition, harm to domestic manufacturers and more layoffs of American workers.”

But Santarris acknowledged that such cases are complex. The Commerce Department is looking into 30 subsidy programs.

“We want to make sure to give them adequate time to make a careful, thorough and open review,” he said.

SolarWorld doesn’t think the delay is hurting their complaint.

“We have no reason to believe that more time for investigation will weaken the case. In fact, we want investigators to get the time they need for the evidence to lead them to appropriate determinations,” Santarris said.

At this point no duties have been imposed.

“If any duties are imposed on a preliminary basis next week, importers of record will be required to post bond or cash deposits on both product that lands from then forward and for product landed in the previous 90 days,” Santarris said.

And, in attempt to prepare for the likelihood of duties, Chinese PV manufacturers flooded the market with modules through December, he said.

Pictured: SolarWorld USA President Gordon Brinser speaking at a hearing about Chinese PV imports, courtesy of SolarWorld.