Amazon Japan Faces Antitrust Investigation Over Alleged Price-Fixing Practices

Japan's Fair Trade Commission probes claims that Amazon pressured sellers to lower prices and use its services for favorable product placement.

Japan's Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has launched an investigation into Amazon Japan for alleged violations of anti-monopoly laws.
Regulators suspect Amazon Japan pressured sellers to lower prices in exchange for better visibility in its 'Buy Box' feature, which highlights preferred products.
Sellers were also allegedly required to use Amazon's in-house logistics and payment services to qualify for Buy Box placement.
The investigation follows a raid on Amazon Japan's Tokyo headquarters, marking the second such probe by Japanese authorities since 2018.
Amazon is cooperating with the investigation, while similar antitrust concerns are being raised against the company in the U.S. and Europe.