China fines Trip.com $765 million for monopoly violations

Jul 25, 2026

China's market regulator has fined Trip.com Group nearly 5.2 billion yuan ($765 million) for monopolistic conduct. An investigation found the online travel giant had abused its dominant market position since 2020 by forcing exclusive partnerships on hotels, demanding the lowest available online rates, and prohibiting them from using competing platforms. The company has accepted the penalties and pledged to comply with all rectification measures.

Trip.com monopoly violations

▪The regulator stated Trip.com's actions eliminated market competition and harmed consumer interests.
▪China's State Administration for Market Regulation found Trip.com Group engaged in monopolistic conduct.
▪The regulator's investigation into Trip.com began in January 2026.
▪The regulator determined Trip.com had been abusing its dominant market position since 2020.

Regulatory financial penalties

▪Trip.com was ordered to refund about 122 million yuan ($18 million) it was withholding from hotel operators.
▪China imposed total penalties of nearly 5.2 billion yuan ($765 million) on Trip.com Group.
▪The penalties included a fine of over 3.5 billion yuan ($520 million).
▪The regulator confiscated "illegal gains" of more than 1.6 billion yuan ($245 million) from Trip.com.

Exclusive hotel partnerships

▪Trip.com prohibited some hotels from collaborating with competing platforms.
▪Trip.com entered into exclusive partnerships with some hotels, which restricted market competition.
▪Trip.com offered prioritized traffic allocation to hotels with which it had exclusive partnerships.

Price parity requirements

▪Trip.com demanded some hotels ensure rates on its platform were the lowest available online.
▪The regulator said Trip.com's price parity demands infringed upon hotel operators' right to set their own prices.

Company compliance commitment

▪Trip.com committed to systematically implementing all rectification measures required by the regulator.
▪On July 25, 2026, Trip.com stated it "sincerely accepts and will resolutely comply" with the penalties.