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经观社论|“反内卷”别只跟价格较劲
经济观察报·2025-08-24 08:48

Core Viewpoint - The emphasis on "anti-low-price competition" is not merely about raising prices, but rather about restoring fair competition mechanisms in the market [4][5] Group 1: Anti-Low-Price Competition - Various industry associations and government departments are advocating against low-price competition, which is seen as a form of "involution" [2] - The push for price increases is being driven by government actions and self-regulatory organizations, with some viewing it as a sign of effective "anti-involution" measures [2] - Not all price competition is considered "involutionary"; only "below-cost" pricing is typically opposed [2][3] Group 2: Market Dynamics and Price Intervention - Price interventions should not be arbitrary; they must adhere to legal frameworks such as fair competition reviews and anti-monopoly laws [3] - The current economic context in China, characterized by insufficient demand, complicates the sustainability of non-market price increases [3] - For example, in the photovoltaic industry, price increases at one level of the supply chain may not be feasible if downstream consumers cannot bear the costs [3] Group 3: Long-term Solutions - The core of "anti-involution" efforts should focus on enhancing the market's ability to allocate resources effectively, addressing issues like unfair competition and unreasonable subsidies [4] - Systematic adjustments and a longer timeframe are necessary to address the deep-rooted problems that contribute to low-price competition [4][5]