- Amazon Japan confronts regulatory heat
- Antitrust investigation targets e-commerce pricing tactic
- Marketplace manipulation allegations emerge
Regulators Swoop on Tech Giant’s Pricing Strategies
Amazon Japan faces intense scrutiny after Japan’s Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) conducted an unexpected on-site inspection targeting potential anti-monopoly law violations.
The investigation centers on allegations that Amazon pressured vendors to reduce prices through its influential Buy Box system, which determines product visibility on the platform.
Marketplace Manipulation Sparks Official Probe
Sources reveal the e-commerce leader may have inappropriately incentivized sellers by offering better product placement in exchange for competitive pricing. The JFTC examination specifically explores whether Amazon coerced merchants to lower prices compared to other online platforms, potentially creating an unfair marketplace environment.
Corporate Response Signals Cooperation
Amazon Japan’s spokesperson Tomoko Inoue confirmed the company’s commitment to full collaboration during the investigation. The tech giant’s Buy Box feature, which highlights preferred sellers, remains under scrutiny for potentially manipulating seller behavior through logistics and payment service requirements.
