Global Cartel Enforcement Report Year-End 2019

February 2020

Global cartel fines rebounded in 2019 with a 69% increase over 2018. At $6.1 billion, the fine level reached its highest point since 2016. Europe saw the biggest increase in fines, at $4.6 billion total, which accounted for more than three-quarters of the fines issued globally. The United States levied $220.8 million in fines, a 46% decrease, despite being very active in prosecutions of individuals and conducting several criminal trials last year.

These developments are highlighted in Morgan Lewis’s Global Cartel Enforcement Report Year-End 2019, produced by members of the firm’s leading antitrust and competition practice. Among the findings:

Domestic cartel enforcement activity was high, with the EU member states, South Korea, and Japan accounting for the most activity.
Significant fines were imposed in international cartel cases, including a blockbuster fine imposed by the European Union on various financial institutions.
Enforcement authorities are developing new tools and programs to discover and prosecute cartels.

View the full Global Cartel Enforcement Report Year-End 2019 >>