Spanish antitrust authority imposes heavy fines on Amazon and Apple devices

Madrid, 20.7.2023

The Spanish antitrust authority CNMC has fined Amazon and Apple a combined €194.1 million ($218 million) for colluding to restrict Apple resellers in Spain. The fines total about $161 million for Apple and nearly $57 million for Amazon.

• The penalties relate to anti-competitive clauses in contracts signed between the companies in 2018.

• In its findings, the CNMC stated that the contract clauses unduly restricted the number of Apple resellers on the Amazon marketplace in Spain.

• Amazon also restricted the advertising opportunities for Apple competitors on its website when customers searched for Apple products.

• According to CNMC, over 90% of retailers using the Amazon marketplace to sell Apple products were affected.

• Following the agreement between Apple and Amazon, the price of Apple devices sold online rose in Spain.

Answer:

• Both Apple and Amazon plan to appeal the decision, arguing that their agreement benefits Amazon’s business model and consumers, and fights counterfeit products.