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Recurrent Collusion: Cartel Episodes and Overcharges in the South African Cement Market

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  • Willem H. Boshoff

    (Stellenbosch University)

  • Rossouw van Jaarsveld

    (Stellenbosch University)

Abstract

Cartel cases may involve recurrent collusion, with cartel periods interspersed by periods of greater competition. An empirical model of recurrent collusion must account for different data generating processes during collusive and non-collusive episodes and allow for the dating of such episodes. It should also allow for the possibility of flexible transitions between collusive and non-collusive episodes. This paper proposes a Markov regime-switching model to detect recurrent periods of collusive damages and to estimate cartel effectiveness in any given time period. We use this information to estimate overcharges, which we show are much higher than those suggested by conventional approaches.

Suggested Citation

  • Willem H. Boshoff & Rossouw van Jaarsveld, 2019. "Recurrent Collusion: Cartel Episodes and Overcharges in the South African Cement Market," Review of Industrial Organization, Springer;The Industrial Organization Society, vol. 54(2), pages 353-380, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:revind:v:54:y:2019:i:2:d:10.1007_s11151-018-9637-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s11151-018-9637-9
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    Cited by:

    1. Simon Roberts & Witness Simbanegavi & Thando Vilakazi, 2023. "Cementing regional integration or building walls? Competition, cartels and regional integration in the cement industry in Africa," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(2), pages 437-452, February.
    2. Willem H. Boshoff, 2021. "South African competition policy on excessive pricing and its relation to price gouging during the COVID‐19 disaster period," South African Journal of Economics, Economic Society of South Africa, vol. 89(1), pages 112-140, March.
    3. Wawa W. Nkosi & Willem H. Boshoff, 2022. "Characteristics of Prosecuted Cartels and Cartel Enforcement in South Africa," Review of Industrial Organization, Springer;The Industrial Organization Society, vol. 60(3), pages 327-360, May.

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