Cartel-Suspected Brewers Held Beer Prices Steady after 2023 Tax Cut
Tokyo, Oct. 24 (Jiji Press)--Japan's four major beer companies, suspected of price collusion, kept shipping prices unchanged after the 2023 tax cut of 19 yen per liter of beer, citing higher costs, it was learned on Saturday. Meanwhile, they all implemented a price hike of 20 yen per liter in 2025, according to informed sources. The Japan Fair Trade Commission is investigating a possible...
Japan's four major beer companies, Asahi Breweries, Kirin Brewery, Suntory Spirits, and Sapporo Breweries, have been suspected of colluding to keep beer prices steady following a 2023 tax cut. Despite the reduction of 19 yen per liter in beer tax, the brewers did not adjust their shipping prices, citing higher costs such as the cost of collecting containers.
Instead, all four companies implemented a price hike of 20 yen per liter in 2025. The Japan Fair Trade Commission is currently investigating the possibility of a cartel regarding shipping prices among these breweries. One wholesaler official expressed surprise and frustration at the brewers' decision to maintain prices despite the tax cut.
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