Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the administrative penalty imposed on the Shanxi Provincial Construction Supervision Association for allegedly engaging in monopolistic practices by establishing a pricing standard that restricts competition in the engineering supervision industry [3][4]. Summary by Sections Background of the Case - The Shanxi Provincial Market Supervision Administration found that the association, along with other organizations, published the "Shanxi Province Engineering Supervision Service Charging Rules" in April 2018, which set price levels and penalties, constituting a monopolistic agreement [4][5]. Penalty Details - In January 2021, the administration decided to investigate the association for organizing a monopolistic agreement, resulting in a fine of 200,000 yuan in March 2026 [5][6]. Industry Reactions - There are mixed opinions within the industry regarding the pricing standards set by associations. Some believe it can help reduce price competition, while others argue it may violate antitrust laws [3][6]. Implementation Issues - Despite the establishment of the pricing rules, they were rarely referenced in local bidding projects, indicating that the market is highly competitive and often leads to lower bids than the established standards [6][7]. Legal Perspectives - Legal experts emphasize that the existence of a fixed pricing agreement is inherently harmful to market competition, regardless of whether the agreement was actively implemented or not [7][8]. Future Implications - The new Antitrust Law, revised in 2022, has significantly increased the penalties for such monopolistic agreements from 500,000 yuan to 3 million yuan, indicating a stricter regulatory environment for industry associations [8].