育儿补贴还未领到，奶粉就涨价了？

Core Viewpoint - The newly announced national childcare subsidy policy allows eligible families to receive up to 3,600 yuan per child annually, which has led to increased consumer enthusiasm, but has coincided with rising prices of infant formula and related products online [1][6][11]. Price Changes in Infant Products - Many brands of infant formula have raised prices recently, with one brand's 810g formula increasing from 342 yuan to 359 yuan, resulting in an additional annual cost of 540 yuan for consumers [3][8]. - Price increases are not limited to infant formula; other baby-related products such as diapers and baby food have also seen price hikes, with some experiencing double-digit increases [3][8]. Online vs. Offline Pricing - Some brands attribute the price increases to the dynamic nature of e-commerce pricing, while offline prices remain stable due to long-term supply contracts with suppliers [4][8]. - A survey revealed that offline prices for these products are often lower than online prices, indicating a disparity in pricing strategies between channels [4][8]. Brand Responses to Price Increases - Several infant formula brands have denied any official price increases, stating that different promotional prices may apply at different times [6][9]. - Brands like Beiyinmei and Yili have claimed that while costs may have risen, their retail prices have not changed, suggesting a disconnect between consumer perceptions and brand communications [6][9]. Impact of Subsidy Policy on Pricing - The introduction of the childcare subsidy is expected to influence consumer behavior, potentially leading families to opt for higher-end products, thereby providing brands with an opportunity to raise prices [9][11]. - The subsidy, while seemingly modest at 300 yuan per month, could significantly impact purchasing decisions in the highly brand-dependent and inelastic baby product market [9][10]. Market Dynamics and Consumer Sentiment - The current price increases appear to be a strategic move by brands to adjust pricing structures following a period of intense price competition in the infant formula market [11][12]. - Although the price hikes have primarily been observed online, the timing of these increases in relation to the subsidy announcement has led to consumer dissatisfaction, as many have not yet received the benefits [11][13].