Price gouging often refers to the charging of an artificially inflated price for high-demand goods or services during a period of emergency, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. Around the world, governments and competition authorities are responding to reports of widespread excessive pricing, recognizing that the issue affects both businesses and consumers.

Price gouging has affected various countries and jurisdictions, each with its own distinct legal and regulatory framework that gives authorities powers to deal with the problem. In this uncertain environment, it is critical that companies understand the price gouging rules and regulations and their enforcement in each country where they do business.

Reed Smith’s Antitrust and Competition team has compiled a global price gouging resource guide to help our clients navigate the differing approaches taken by governments and regulatory authorities. The guide provides an overview of price gouging regulatory enforcement in the European Union, France, Germany, People’s Republic of China, United Kingdom, and the United States. It offers practical advice for companies that encounter price gouging or wish to raise their prices appropriately because of the economic and practical difficulties faced during the pandemic.