Companies

Amazon hit with major antitrust case in the US

E-commerce giant could be forced to restructure if it loses, with the possibility it may have to divest its logistics operations

Amazon is also accused of illegally forcing sellers on its platform to use its logistics and delivery services in exchange for prominent placement and of punishing merchants who offer lower prices on competing sites

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has sued Amazon, accusing the e-commerce giant of monopolising online marketplace services by degrading quality for shoppers and overcharging sellers.

In a complaint filed in federal court in Seattle, the FTC and 17 states accused Amazon of engaging in a course of conduct to exclude rivals in online marketplace services and stifle competition.

The company is also accused of illegally forcing sellers on its platform to use its logistics ...