FedEx, UPS, DHL Executives Face Antitrust Scrutiny in India; UPS Leads Package Transportation Market Globally

FedEx, UPS, and DHL executives in India are facing increased scrutiny in an antitrust probe. The investigation, which began in 2019, is examining the companies' alleged abuse of dominance and predatory pricing in the logistics and express delivery market. The probe is ongoing and has resulted in the Indian Competition Commission imposing interim penalties on the companies.

Global delivery giants FedEx, UPS, and DHL are facing heightened scrutiny in an ongoing antitrust probe in India. The investigation, which began in 2019, is examining allegations of abuse of dominance and predatory pricing within the logistics and express delivery market. The probe has resulted in the Indian Competition Commission imposing interim penalties on the companies [1].

The latest development in the case involves the Indian Competition Commission (CCI) allowing a book publishers' group to cross-examine top executives from FedEx, UPS, Aramex, and DHL. This is a rare occurrence in Indian antitrust cases and could significantly prolong the investigation. The cross-examinations are scheduled to begin in the coming weeks, with executives from each company set to be questioned [1].

The CCI's decision to allow the cross-examinations comes after the publishers' group argued that the initial investigation had ignored several anomalies in the recorded statements of company executives. The publishers successfully demonstrated that the initial investigation relied solely on oral submissions and did not adequately address these anomalies [1].

The logistics industry in India is expected to grow at an annual rate of 11% to $14.3 billion by 2030, driven by the boom in online shopping. Despite this growth, the industry has faced scrutiny since 2015, when France levied a $735 million fine on 20 companies, including FedEx and DHL, for colluding to increase prices [1].

The CCI's investigations unit will oversee the cross-examination proceedings and submit a report to top antitrust officials for review. The outcome of these proceedings could potentially change the direction of the case and lead to new findings. The cross-examinations are expected to reveal new facts and may challenge the conclusions of the earlier investigation report [1].

The companies have not yet responded to requests for comment. DHL has stated that it operates in full compliance with all laws and is cooperating fully with the CCI, but could not comment on specifics. The Federation of Indian Publishers, which represents many Indian publishers like S.Chand and Rupa Publications, as well as some foreign groups like Pan Macmillan, has also not responded to queries [1].

The antitrust probe in India is a significant development for the logistics industry and could have broader implications for the global operations of these companies. As the investigation progresses, investors and financial professionals should closely monitor the developments, as they may impact the companies' financial performance and market position.

References:
[1] Reuters. (2025, August 14). Global delivery firms to face cross-examination by book publishers in India. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/fedex-ups-dhl-executives-face-fresh-scrutiny-india-antitrust-case-2025-08-14/