CADE intensifies efforts against anti-competitive practices in 2024

The Administrative Council for Economic Defence (CADE) launched 73 investigations in 2024, 31 of which were preparatory procedures, 22 administrative enquiries, and 20 administrative proceedings. Last year, CADE also launched 24 cartel cases, 14 for unilateral conducts and 10 for uniform commercial conduct. The data highlight CADE’s commitment to fight against anti-competitive practices.

The fight against cartels is one of CADE's priorities, focused on investigations related to price-fixing, especially in the brokerage sector, petrol stations, and medical equipment. In total, the authority concluded 92 investigations during the year.

The online complaint system, Clique Denúncia, continued to be an essential tool to support investigations, with 3,700 complaints received in 2024. CADE conducted three operations of search and seizure, fulfilling 16 warrants. In addition, the Brazilian antitrust authority ratified five Cease and Desist Agreements, one in the Tribunal and four in the Office of the Superintendent at CADE. In total, four leniency agreements were signed.

According to Fernanda Machado, Assistant Superintendent, the authority showed its commitment to free competition and free enterprise, investigating and punishing practices that affect the market. “Our work goes beyond repression: we seek to prevent violations and ensure that Brazilian consumers have access to more fair and transparent markets”, she stated.  

In addition to punitive actions, the Brazilian antitrust agency has increasingly dedicated its efforts to prevent violations through advocacy initiatives. CADE has also been on the alert for new anticompetitive practices, adapting to economic and technological changes, with a focus on identifying and fighting new forms of market manipulation.  

 Likewise, collaboration with other regulatory agencies was crucial to strength investigations, allowing for more effective and quicker actions against anticompetitive practices. 

 However, the strategy is not limited to ongoing investigations and includes the monitoring of market dynamics. 

 CADE has improved its antitrust tools, such as the platform for reporting violations (Clique Denúncia) which is proving to be crucial to identifying and fighting illegal conducts. Thus, after analysing the information received, CADE can act more assertively, ensuring that Brazilian markets remain competitive and fair to consumers and companies, reinforcing its essential role in maintaining a healthy economy.