Companies Criticize China’s Price-Gouging Probes

European companies say China is resorting to intimidation tactics in pursuing its anti-monopoly probes, the Financial Times reports.

Companies tell the European Chamber of Commerce in China that investigators have advised them not to challenge the probes, bring lawyers to court hearings, involve chambers of commerce or seek help from their home governments.

The European Chamber adds that in some cases involving a joint venture company, only the foreign partner has been targeted. The National Development and Reform Commission, which conducts the probes, denies singling out foreign companies.

So far companies that have been found guilty of price gouging have not challenged the NDRC's findings. But the FT says many privately claim relatively high prices in China are caused by import duties, consumer demand and other market factors.