Overview
- China’s State Administration for Market Regulation formally launched a probe on Jan. 14 into Trip.com under the Anti-Monopoly Law, citing suspected abuse of a dominant position.
- Regulators have not disclosed specific allegations, the scope of the case, or a timeline for potential actions.
- Trip.com confirmed receipt of the notice, said it will actively cooperate with authorities, and indicated its business operations remain normal.
- Recent complaints from a Yunnan homestay association accused major online travel agencies, including Trip.com, of coercive contract terms, commission hikes, and blocking internet traffic.
- Trip.com shares fell sharply after the news, with Hong Kong-listed stock down as much as 21.7% intraday and U.S.-listed shares sliding in the mid-teens, while potential penalties could reach 1%–10% of prior-year revenue if violations are found.