涉嫌价格垄断 韩国鸡蛋生产商行业组织受调查

Core Viewpoint - The South Korean Fair Trade Commission is investigating the Korea Egg Producers Association for allegedly playing a dominant role in driving up egg prices in the country [1] Group 1: Investigation Details - The Fair Trade Commission dispatched investigators to the association's headquarters in North Chungcheong Province and its branches in Gyeonggi Province and South Chungcheong Province to determine if the association forced member companies to adhere to its published price guidelines, thereby influencing market egg prices [1] - The price of farm-delivered eggs has increased by approximately 30% since March, with current prices 6% higher than the same period last year and 4.2% above seasonal averages [1] Group 2: Legal Implications - If the investigation finds that the Korea Egg Producers Association engaged in coercive practices, it may violate South Korean laws related to fair trade, which prohibit unfair collective actions by business organizations [1] - A Fair Trade Commission official stated that if unfair competitive behavior is confirmed, the commission plans to take strict measures according to relevant laws [1] Group 3: Price Trends - Egg prices have been on the rise in recent months, with year-on-year increases of 10.2% and 12.2% in April and May, respectively, leading to higher retail prices [1] - According to a report from the Korea Rural Economic Institute, egg prices reached their highest level in four years in May, with the average retail price for a pack of 30 large eggs at 7,026 Korean won (approximately 37.1 RMB) [1]