Japan’s Fair Trade Commission has raided Amazon over antitrust concerns. “There is a suspicion that Amazon Japan is forcing sellers to cut prices irrationally,” the unnamed source said. Reuters.
Amazon Japan received an on-the-spot inspection by the regulator today to investigate whether the retailer was giving better product placement in search results to sellers offering lower prices. Additional report Japan Times suggested that this inquiry was directed at Amazon’s Buy Box program, which puts recommended items more prominently in front of online shoppers. In addition to requiring “competitive pricing,” sellers are required to use Amazon’s internal services, such as logistics and payment collection, to accommodate the Buy Box placement, the publication said.
Japan’s FTC has not released an official statement on the inquiry. “We are fully cooperating with the authorities,” Amazon Japan said in a statement to Engadget about the situation.
Amazon has also been questioned about anti-competitive behavior around the world. Stateside, too Fair Trading Commission and Attorney General of Washington They raised similar concerns about Amazon’s practices. The company is also expected to face an antitrust investigation European Union next year.
Update, November 26, 2024, 6:17 PM ET: Updated to add comment from Amazon Japan.
