The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has decided not to proceed with criminal charges against BlueScope or its former executives. This was for allegedly attempting to set up a cartel to control steel prices, it said on Tuesday. Former general manager of sales and marketing Jason Ellis was charged with inciting the obstruction of an official however, Kallanish notes.

The ACCC is still pursuing a civil case against both BlueScope and Ellis. The allegations relate to actions taken in 2013-2014. The ACCC says BlueScope and then general manager of sales Jason Ellis attempted to push competitors to increase their prices and also boost sales volumes domestically through special arrangements with distributors.

BlueScope chairman john Bevan says that, based on what they know today, the company and its officials did not engage in cartel conduct. The civil case is currently being reviewed in an Australian Federal Court.