South Korea Files Complaints Against Steelmakers Over Price Fixing

South Korea’s antitrust regulator announced on Wednesday, February 17, it will file complaints with the prosecution against four steelmakers for colluding to fix the purchase price of steel scrap.

Last month, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) decided to fine seven steelmakers, including No. 2 player Hyundai Steel, a combined 300 billion won (US$270 million) for price fixing.

The corporate watchdog stated it has decided to file complaints with the prosecution against Hyundai Steel and three other steelmakers, noting that they gravely violated the nation’s competition law.

The Commission also plans to refer smaller rival Seah Besteel and three of its employees to the prosecution for impeding the regulator’s probe.

As supply in the local steel scrap market chronically falls short of demand, the seven steelmakers colluded to stably secure the material and stabilize the purchase price, hampering market competition, according to the regulator.

Hyundai Steel is expected to be levied with the highest fine of 90.9 billion won, followed by Dongkuk Steel with 49.9 billion won, the KFTC stated.

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