EU probes building chemicals firms on suspicion of cartel behaviour

The European Commission is probing several manufacturers of construction chemicals on suspicion of price collusion, potentially in breach of European competition law, it announced on Monday, reported dpa. The companies in France, Germany and Spain, as well as three national trade associations, are thought to have colluded on price increases for chemicals used in cement, concrete and mortar, the Brussels-based authority said. According to preliminary findings, the companies coordinated their justification for price increases regarding chemical additives and admixtures, in press releases issued by industry associations in the three countries in 2021 and 2022. Raw material prices had risen at the time due to the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia's attack on Ukraine, among other things, the commission said. Prices affect construction costs The additives are used primarily to improve the manufacturing processes and performance of cement, according to the commission. Chemical admixtures are added to concrete and mortar to enhance their performance, durability and workability. The prices of cement, concrete and mortar have a direct impact on construction costs, the EU's competition watchdog noted. The commission has informed the companies and organizations involved of the allegations. They now have the opportunity to respond to the preliminary findings and set out their position. Fines possible If the commission concludes that sufficient evidence of an infringement exists, it can ban the conduct and impose fines of up to 10% of each company's global annual turnover. There is no statutory deadline for completing the investigation. In October 2023, the Brussels-based authority had arranged inspections of the premises of construction chemicals companies in several member states.