A US industry body, which has effectively admitted that its members operate as an export cartel in SA, has launched a bid to secure exemption from competition legislation in this market. The American Natural Soda Ash Corp has applied to the DTI for its industry to be exempted from provisions in the Competition Act. The application is the latest twist in a case that has hounded the competition authorities for 10y. In November, Ansac effectively admitted it was fixing prices on soda ash in the region & in a settlement agreed to withdraw from the S African market & pay a fine of R9.7M. However, Ansac seems intent on preserving its presence in S Africa. While a settlement seemed to have finally closed the case, Ansac has resorted to the Competition Act, calling on a provision which allows for exemptions from compliance to preserve economic stability of an industry.
