Trends in the investigation and prosecution of international cartels by the United States

Abstract

Around the world, international cartel prosecutions have been soaring. Competition authorities are targeting international cartel participants in unprecedented efforts to penalize conspirators to the fullest extent allowable. Within the last several years, authorities in countries all over the globe have brought enforcement actions against cartels in over 30 industries for activities in North America, Europe, and other regions, including lysine, graphite electrodes, bulk vitamins, chemicals, electric wiring, cement, transportation, carton board, gasoline, and seamless steel tubes. They are stepping up their efforts in every way: imposing stiffer   and stiffer penalties, increasing staff and investigations, strengthening legislation, and creating or modifying amnesty or leniency policies to encourage cartel participants to turn themselves in.