It is reported that Spain’s anti-monopoly regulator recently imposed fines on Amazon and Apple, with a total amount of 194 million euros. The decision was made because Amazon and Apple were accused of colluding to restrict the online sales of Apple and its competitors’ devices in Spain. Among them, Apple was fined 144 million euros and Amazon was fined 50.5 million euros. The two companies have two months to appeal the decision.
Spain’s National Market and Competition Commission (CNMC) said in a statement that Amazon was granted Apple’s authorized dealer status according to the contract signed on October 31, 2018. However, these contracts contain anti-competitive clauses, which affect the online market of electronic equipment in Spain. The CNMC statement said: “The two companies unreasonably restricted the number of sellers selling Apple products on Amazon.com in Spain.” At the same time, they also limited the space for advertising Apple competing products on Amazon Spain website. In addition, they also limit the possibility of Amazon’s marketing activities to customers who buy Apple products on its Spanish website and provide other competitive brands.
NMC added that after the two technology giants reached a deal, the online sales price of Apple devices in Spain rose, and more than 90% of existing retailers who used Amazon to sell Apple devices were blocked. Amazon restricts the ability of EU retailers located outside Spain to contact Spanish customers, and also restricts the advertisements placed by Apple competitors on its .
Post time: Jul-20-2023