Corning Makes Commitments to Resolve Conflict with EC

The European Commission accepted commitments from Corning to end a competition investigation into its agreements with smartphone manufacturers and glass processors. Legally binding pledges include waiving exclusive clauses with device manufacturers and finishers, who are processors of raw glass, and not to impose similar policies in the future.

Its commitments apply to alkali-AS glass and transparent glass ceramics when used as a cover in handheld electronic devices. The changes do not apply to Corning’s dealings with Apple, which fell outside of the EC’s market investigation.

Other promises include scrapping advantageous pricing linked to specific sourcing requirements within the European Economic Area, and not requiring device manufacturers to purchase more than half of their relevant glass supply from Corning. The latter policy applies worldwide.

The commitments from the company, accepted by the EC, are a revised version of the initial concessions offered in response to the regulator's opening of its investigation in November 2024. They will be in place for nine years, with the authority set to monitor their application.

“Corning has committed to cease conduct that could potentially prevent rivals from competing effectively on the market for cover glass used in smartphones and other handheld devices,” said Teresa Ribera, EC EVP for clean, just, and competitive transition. “These commitments are now legally binding. This opens up that market and serves to ensure that consumers benefit from low prices and high-quality cover glass.”