Amazon Japan hit with a raid over antitrust concerns

Amazon Japan raided for antitrust concerns over pricing and Buy Box policies.

: Japan's Fair Trade Commission conducted a raid on Amazon Japan over concerns related primarily to anti-competitive practices. Accusations suggest Amazon coerced sellers into irrational price cuts and favoritism in their Buy Box program for sellers using in-house services. Amazon Japan has confirmed full cooperation with authorities during this investigation process. Similar antitrust issues have been raised against Amazon in the U.S. and are expected in the EU.

Japan's Fair Trade Commission has carried out a raid at Amazon Japan on suspicions of anti-competitive behavior. The primary concern revolves around the alleged pressure on sellers to lower prices irrationally to achieve favorable product placement in Amazon's online search results.

Further investigations involve Amazon's Buy Box program, which promotes recommended items more prominently. Sellers may need to meet demands for competitive pricing and use Amazon's logistics and payment collection services to gain this advantageous position.

While Amazon Japan states it is cooperating fully with the investigation, there is no official comment from the Japan FTC. Parallel concerns have been raised with Amazon at the international level in the U.S. and are anticipated in the European Union the following year.

AntitrustAmazon JapanFair Trade