Core Viewpoint - JD.com is intensifying scrutiny on merchants selling on its platform, enforcing price parity with other platforms, particularly Douyin, amid increasing competition and declining government subsidies for old-for-new programs [1][4]. Group 1: Price Control Measures - JD.com is requiring merchants to maintain the same prices across platforms, prohibiting lower prices on Douyin and banning collaborations with influencers for discounted sales [1][2]. - Merchants face penalties for selling popular products at prices lower than JD.com, with fines escalating from 5 million to 4.5 billion yuan depending on the number of infractions [2][4]. - The enforcement of price parity is not yet widespread, but it is expected to become a trend as JD.com continues to monitor prices on competing platforms [2]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - JD.com is under pressure from competitors like Douyin, which has seen significant growth, with its GMV projected to reach 3.43 trillion yuan in 2024, positioning it as the third-largest player in the market [4]. - JD.com's last reported GMV was approximately 2.61 trillion yuan in 2020, with growth rates of 26.2% and 5.6% in 2021 and 2022, respectively, suggesting a potential GMV of at least 4 trillion yuan in 2024 [4]. - The rise of Douyin's e-commerce platform, particularly in live-streaming sales, poses a threat to JD.com's market position, as Douyin's growth rate could narrow the gap between the two platforms [4]. Group 3: Impact of Subsidy Changes - The reduction of government subsidies for old-for-new programs is expected to negatively impact sales in JD.com's core categories, particularly electronics and home appliances [5]. - Various regions have adjusted their subsidy policies, leading to a projected decline in retail sales of home appliances by at least 16.4% from September to December 2023, with some estimates suggesting a drop of 30-40% [5]. - Electronics and home appliances have historically contributed over 50% of JD.com's revenue, making the impact of subsidy changes particularly significant [5].