CADE convicts individuals for cartel in cement sector

On 12 February, the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) convicted two individuals for cartel in the Brazilian cement sector.The fines imposed on the parties involved in the violation surpass BRL 10 million.

The case was launched in 2016 and originated from another administrative proceeding, which investigated individuals for cartel in the Brazilian cement sector, known as “Cartel do Cimento”.  

Parties involved exchanged emails and attended regular meetings to allocate market share by regions and projects and manipulate prices in public procurements, among other anticompetitive practices. The aim was to prevent the entry of new competitors in the market, restricting free competition, and harming consumers.

The Tribunal unanimously approved the vote of the rapporteur, Commissioner Carlos Jacques. CADE based the decision on Article 36, Items 1 to 4, and Paragraph 3, Item 1 (sub-items a, b, and c), of Law 12529/2011, and imposed a fine to be paid within 30 days of publication of the decision.

Access Case no. 08700.003528/2016-21