XIAMEN, March 19, 2026 — China’s market regulator has outlined its antitrust enforcement priorities for 2026, pledging stronger action against local protectionism and market fragmentation as part of efforts to build a unified national market.
The State Administration for Market Regulation announced the plans at its annual antitrust conference, where officials reviewed enforcement activity and set out key policy goals for the year ahead.
Authorities said that in 2025 they concluded 22 monopoly cases and reviewed 706 merger filings, while also intensifying scrutiny of administrative practices that restrict competition, opening 96 investigations into abuses of administrative power.
Looking ahead, the regulator said it will focus on removing regional barriers and tackling “involution-style” competition—referring to excessive, inefficient rivalry that can distort markets.
The agenda also includes strengthening the fair competition review system, improving regulatory mechanisms and enhancing enforcement effectiveness across sectors.
Officials emphasised the need to curb government actions that may distort competition, signalling continued oversight of local policies that favour certain firms or restrict market entry.
The regulator said the measures are aimed at improving market order, supporting economic growth and reinforcing China’s push toward a more integrated and competitive national market.
Source: https://www.samr.gov.cn/xw/zj/art/2026/art_b23ffc98f0f549be97f7693845f06f7b.html
