Egypt: Apple accused of violating antitrust laws

According to a report by Bloomberg, Egypt, where an iPhone can cost 50% more than elsewhere in the Middle East, has given Apple two months to end what it claims are unfair restrictions on local distributors.

The country’s competition authority stated that while companies had a right to specify sales areas, local retailers were barred from buying from other distributors, which blocked competition. It voided clauses in the contracts that the regulator stated ran counter to competition legislation in the country.

Amir Nabil, head of the Egyptian Competition Authority, said the Authority took action after a two-year investigation of Apple’s sales and distribution practices in Egypt. The company’s actions are designed to limit competition, Nabil said.

“You shouldn’t prevent the customer from being able to choose the better option available to them,” said Nabil. “It’s about availability of products. It’s also about allowing customers access to better products.”

Full Content: Bloomberg

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