price-fixing agreement

简明释义

固定价格协议

英英释义

A price-fixing agreement is a legal arrangement between competitors to set or maintain the price of goods or services at a predetermined level, which can lead to anti-competitive behavior.

价格固定协议是竞争对手之间的一种法律安排,旨在将商品或服务的价格设定或维持在预定水平,这可能导致反竞争行为。

例句

1.Regulators are investigating the price-fixing agreement 价格操纵协议 that allegedly inflated the cost of consumer goods.

监管机构正在调查涉嫌抬高消费品价格的价格操纵协议

2.In a recent case, the court ruled against the firms involved in a price-fixing agreement 价格操纵协议 that lasted for several years.

在最近的一起案件中,法院裁定参与了持续数年的价格操纵协议的公司败诉。

3.The company was fined heavily for entering into a price-fixing agreement 价格操纵协议 with its competitors.

该公司因与竞争对手签订了一个价格操纵协议而被重罚。

4.The price-fixing agreement 价格操纵协议 was discovered during an antitrust investigation.

在反垄断调查中发现了这个价格操纵协议

5.Many businesses avoid price-fixing agreements 价格操纵协议 to comply with competition laws.

许多企业避免签订价格操纵协议以遵守竞争法。

作文

In today's competitive market, businesses are constantly seeking ways to maximize profits and maintain a strong position against their rivals. However, some companies resort to unethical practices that can distort the market and harm consumers. One such practice is the price-fixing agreement, which involves an arrangement between competing firms to set prices at a certain level, rather than allowing them to be determined by free market forces. This essay will explore the implications of price-fixing agreements and why they are detrimental to both consumers and the economy as a whole.The primary goal of a price-fixing agreement is to eliminate competition among businesses. By agreeing to set prices at a predetermined level, companies can avoid price wars and ensure a stable profit margin. While this may seem beneficial for the businesses involved, it ultimately leads to negative consequences for consumers. When prices are artificially inflated due to a price-fixing agreement, consumers have to pay more for goods and services than they would in a competitive market. This lack of competition stifles innovation and reduces the overall quality of products available to consumers.Moreover, price-fixing agreements can have significant legal ramifications. Most countries have antitrust laws designed to promote fair competition and protect consumers from monopolistic practices. Engaging in a price-fixing agreement can lead to severe penalties for the companies involved, including hefty fines and damage to their reputations. In some cases, executives may even face criminal charges. This legal framework serves as a deterrent against such practices, but enforcement can be challenging due to the secretive nature of these agreements.Another important aspect to consider is the broader economic impact of price-fixing agreements. When companies collude to fix prices, it disrupts the natural supply and demand equilibrium that is essential for a healthy economy. This can lead to inefficiencies, as resources are not allocated based on consumer needs and preferences. Additionally, when consumers are forced to pay higher prices, their purchasing power diminishes, which can lead to reduced spending and slower economic growth.In contrast, promoting a competitive market environment encourages businesses to innovate and improve their offerings. When companies compete for customers, they are incentivized to lower prices, enhance product quality, and provide better customer service. This ultimately benefits consumers and drives economic growth. Therefore, it is crucial for regulatory bodies to monitor and prevent price-fixing agreements to ensure that markets remain competitive and fair.In conclusion, while price-fixing agreements may provide short-term benefits for the companies involved, they pose serious risks to consumers and the economy. Such practices undermine the principles of free market competition, leading to higher prices, reduced quality, and potential legal consequences. It is essential for consumers to be aware of these practices and for regulatory agencies to actively enforce antitrust laws to protect the integrity of the marketplace. By fostering a competitive environment, we can ensure that businesses thrive while also serving the best interests of consumers and the economy as a whole.

在当今竞争激烈的市场中,企业不断寻求最大化利润并保持在竞争对手面前的强大地位。然而,一些公司采取不道德的做法,这可能扭曲市场并损害消费者利益。其中一种做法是价格固定协议,这涉及到竞争公司之间达成的一项安排,以某一水平设定价格,而不是让价格由自由市场力量决定。本文将探讨价格固定协议的影响,以及为什么它们对消费者和整体经济都是有害的。价格固定协议的主要目标是消除企业之间的竞争。通过同意在预定水平设定价格,公司可以避免价格战争,并确保稳定的利润率。虽然这对参与的企业似乎是有利的,但最终会对消费者产生负面后果。当由于价格固定协议而人为抬高价格时,消费者不得不为商品和服务支付比竞争市场中更高的价格。这种缺乏竞争会抑制创新,并降低可供消费者选择的产品的整体质量。此外,价格固定协议可能会带来重大的法律后果。大多数国家都有旨在促进公平竞争和保护消费者免受垄断行为的反垄断法。参与价格固定协议可能会导致参与公司的严重惩罚,包括巨额罚款和声誉受损。在某些情况下,管理人员甚至可能面临刑事指控。这一法律框架作为对这种做法的威慑,但由于这些协议的秘密性质,执行可能面临挑战。另一个重要方面是价格固定协议对更广泛经济的影响。当公司勾结固定价格时,它会破坏对健康经济至关重要的自然供需平衡。这可能导致资源配置效率低下,因为资源并不是根据消费者的需求和偏好进行分配的。此外,当消费者被迫支付更高的价格时,他们的购买力下降,这可能导致支出减少和经济增长放缓。相反,促进竞争市场环境鼓励企业创新并改善其产品。当公司争夺客户时,它们有动力降低价格、提高产品质量和提供更好的客户服务。这最终使消费者受益,并推动经济增长。因此,监管机构必须监测并防止价格固定协议,以确保市场保持竞争和公平。总之,尽管价格固定协议可能为参与的公司提供短期利益,但它们对消费者和经济构成严重风险。这种做法破坏了自由市场竞争的原则,导致价格上涨、质量下降和潜在的法律后果。消费者必须意识到这些做法,监管机构必须积极执行反垄断法,以保护市场的完整性。通过营造竞争环境,我们可以确保企业蓬勃发展,同时也服务于消费者和整体经济的最佳利益。