Amazon faces antitrust probe in Canada
Updated 20:57, 16-Aug-2020
CGTN
Amazon boxes are seen stacked for delivery. /Reuters

Amazon boxes are seen stacked for delivery. /Reuters

Canada is investigating whether U.S. e-commerce giant Amazon's conduct in its marketplace has hurt the interests of local businesses and consumers, the country's competition bureau said in a statement on Friday.

The antitrust watchdog said the investigation over allegations that Amazon "may abuse market dominance" is ongoing, and "there is no conclusion of wrongdoing at this time."

Amazon is facing allegations that some of its practices may hinder local third-party sellers from selling products at lower prices or force them to use Amazon's delivery services.

The bureau has encouraged third-party sellers to share information with investigators on whether Amazon Canada is abusing its dominance in the market.

"We are cooperating with the Competition Bureau's review and continue to work hard to support small and medium-sized businesses who sell in our Canadian store – and help them grow," an Amazon spokesperson responded in a statement.

It is reported that the volume of online shopping transactions in Canada more than tripled between 2012 and 2018, from 18.9 billion Canadian dollars (about 14.3 billion U.S. dollars) to 57.4 billion Canadian dollars. During the COVID-19 outbreak this year, Amazon still dominated the Canadian market.

Big tech companies, including Amazon, have been facing antitrust scrutiny for their alleged role in stifling smaller rivals to gather a larger marketshare in the United States and faced a congressional hearing last month.