以“法治利剑”斩断“内卷”链条

Core Viewpoint - The revision of the Price Law aims to address the rampant "involution" competition across various industries, which undermines sustainable development and innovation, by establishing clearer legal standards and responsibilities for price-related behaviors [1][2][6] Group 1: Issues in Current Market Competition - Industries such as livestock, photovoltaic, and electric vehicles are experiencing severe price wars, leading to overall losses and diminished profit margins [1] - The phenomenon of "involution" competition is characterized by companies sacrificing profits to gain market share, which ultimately harms the entire industry's innovation capacity and international competitiveness [1][5] - The current market is plagued by low-cost dumping and other unfair pricing practices that disrupt normal market order and threaten sustainable industry development [5] Group 2: Key Changes in the Price Law Revision - The revision introduces a shift from "setting levels" to "establishing mechanisms" for government pricing, promoting fair and lawful price competition [2] - It explicitly defines unfair pricing behaviors, including below-cost dumping to eliminate competitors, and prohibits coercive pricing practices [2][3] - New provisions address unfair pricing behaviors in the digital economy, targeting practices like "forced bundling" and "big data discrimination" that exploit market dominance [3] Group 3: Strengthening Legal Responsibilities - The revision significantly increases penalties for price violations, raising the maximum fine for failing to comply with pricing regulations from 5,000 yuan to 50,000 yuan [4] - It introduces legal responsibilities for businesses that refuse or provide false information during cost audits, enhancing enforcement capabilities [4] - The changes signal a commitment to higher costs for price violations, aiming to deter ineffective regulatory practices [4] Group 4: Implications for Market Dynamics - The revision reflects a respect for economic development laws and aims to protect market order, emphasizing the importance of fair competition [6] - By addressing "involution" competition, the law seeks to redirect focus from price wars to value-based competition, preserving reasonable profit margins for businesses [6]