DOJ Expands Beef Price Investigation to Walmart, Costco, Amazon and Other Major Retailers
The department said the retailers were added after reviewing more than 3 million documents and interviewing industry participants.
- On Tuesday, the Justice Department expanded its antitrust investigation into beef affordability to include eight major U.S. retailers, including Walmart and Costco. Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. sent letters regarding "recent increases in the retail price for beef."
- The expansion follows an antitrust probe launched in May into the "Big Four" meatpackers—JBS, Cargill, Tyson Foods, and National Beef. The DOJ stated these companies control more than 85% of the United States beef processing market.
- Beef prices have risen around 10 percent over the past year, with ground beef averaging $6.89 per pound in July. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated, "Multiple plant closures across the country, the current market structure, and high concentration in the industry indicate anticompetitive activity."
- To lower costs, a plan took effect September 1 allowing 300,000 metric tons of imported beef into the United States tariff-free for 90 days. President Donald Trump said importers committed to selling this beef at 25% below current market prices.
- Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Sarrine warned that industry concentration harms consumers and small businesses. "The victims of such anticompetitive coordination can include consumers to whom they sell their products, as well as small and independent businesses that provide necessary inputs," Sarrine said.
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11 Articles
DOJ Announces Walmart, Costco, Amazon Are Under Investigation in Beef Affordability Probe
The Department of Justice announced Tuesday that it’s investigating several major American grocers concerning massive spikes in beef prices. “@JusticeATR has expanded its investigation to include 8 of the largest […]
DOJ expands beef price antitrust investigation to eight grocery chains
The Justice Department is expanding its antitrust investigation into the U.S. beef industry to include eight major grocery chains, seeking information about whether retailers have engaged in price manipulation as beef prices reach record levels. The DOJ announced Tuesday that it sent letters to Kroger, Publix, Walmart, Albertsons, Aldi, Ahold Delhaize USA, Costco, and Amazon seeking data on beef sales, pricing, costs, margins, and purchasing pra…
The Trump DOJ Antitrust Division has EXPANDED a MAJOR investigation into 8 American grocers over high beef prices
The following chains are now under scrutiny: Kroger, Publix, Walmart, Albertsons, Aldi, Ahold Delhaize USA, Costco, Amazon"Beef prices are a critical concern to Americans, and a priority for this Justice Department. "Click here to BOOST USFollow...
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