BUSINESS

Beijing Tightens Scrutiny of Food Delivery Giants Amid Price Wars

Published: Jan. 10, 2026 2:24 a.m. GMT+8

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Food delivery couriers in Shenyang, Liaoning province, on Oct. 15, 2025. Photo: VCG

China’s top antitrust body has announced a broad investigation into the food delivery platform industry, targeting aggressive pricing strategies and excessive subsidies that regulators say are harming the real economy.

The Office of the State Council’s Anti-Monopoly and Anti-Unfair Competition Committee said Friday that it is assessing market competition to address issues such as price wars and traffic manipulation, aiming to curb “involutionary” — or excessive and destructive — rivalry in the sector.

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China’s anti-monopoly body launched a major investigation into the food delivery platform sector, targeting price wars and excessive subsidies by giants like Meituan, Alibaba, and JD.com.
The probe follows fierce competition in 2025, including Alibaba’s 50 billion yuan ($7.1 billion) subsidy campaign and new market entry by JD.com.
Regulators aim to develop fairer market rules, with companies expressing support and new national standards for the industry introduced in December 2025.

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Who’s Who

Meituan: Meituan is a major player in China's food delivery industry. It's currently under investigation by China's top antitrust body due to aggressive pricing and excessive subsidies. Meituan was involved in a fierce competition for market share against Alibaba and JD.com, using its own subsidies to defend its position. The company has publicly stated its support for and cooperation with the investigation.

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.: Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. is a major player in China's food delivery industry. It upgraded its rapid delivery service to "Taobao Flash Sale" and launched a significant subsidy campaign in July 2025. The company is currently under investigation by China's top antitrust body for aggressive pricing strategies and excessive subsidies within the sector. Alibaba has pledged to comply with the assessment and work towards a fair market environment.

JD.com Inc.: JD.com Inc. is an e-commerce giant that entered the food delivery sector in February 2025, intensifying competition with Meituan and Alibaba. It was involved in a fierce market share battle that included significant subsidies. JD.com, along with other major players, is now under investigation by China's antitrust body for aggressive pricing strategies and excessive subsidies. It has also been previously addressed by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) regarding fair competition and worker rights.

Taobao Flash Sale: Taobao Flash Sale is Alibaba's instant retail unit. In April 2025, it upgraded its rapid delivery service to "Taobao Flash Sale" and launched a 50 billion yuan ($7.1 billion) subsidy campaign in July of the same year to compete in the food delivery market. It has pledged to comply with an ongoing antitrust investigation.

Ele.me: Ele.me is a Chinese food delivery platform, part of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. It was among the major players involved in a fierce competition for market share in 2025, during which Alibaba launched a significant subsidy campaign. Regulators, including SAMR, have held meetings with Ele.me executives to ensure fair competition and protect consumer and gig worker rights.

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What Happened When

February 2025：: JD.com entered the food delivery sector, marking the start of intensified competition.

April 2025：: Alibaba upgraded its rapid delivery service to 'Taobao Flash Sale'.

May 2025：: SAMR held meetings with executives from JD.com, Meituan, and Ele.me to enforce fair competition and protection of consumer and gig worker rights.

July 2025：: Alibaba launched a 50 billion yuan subsidy campaign for its food delivery platform.

July 2025：: SAMR held meetings with executives from JD.com, Meituan, and Ele.me, demanding strict adherence to fair competition.

December 2025：: SAMR released national standards for food delivery platform service management.

January 2026：: The investigation into the competition in the food delivery platform industry was initiated.

January 8, 2026：: The Office of the State Council’s Anti-Monopoly and Anti-Unfair Competition Committee announced the start of a broad investigation into the food delivery platform industry.