Core Viewpoint - The Chinese liquor industry is facing severe challenges due to weak consumer demand and intensified competition, leading to price declines and increased inventory levels across the sector [1][3][6]. Group 1: Industry Challenges - The liquor industry is experiencing a significant downturn, with over 60% of liquor companies and distributors reporting reduced operating profits in the first half of the year [1][6]. - Channel inventory has reached historical highs, with an average inventory turnover period of 900 days, a 10% increase from the previous year, and a 25% year-on-year rise in inventory levels [3][6]. - Price inversion is becoming more widespread, with over 50% of distributors and retailers reporting increased levels of price inversion, and 40% facing cash flow pressures [3][4]. Group 2: Company-Specific Issues - Even leading companies like Kweichow Moutai are under market pressure, with significant price inversions observed in their non-standard products, exceeding 20% for several items [4][5]. - The core product, 53-degree, 500ml Moutai, saw its price drop from approximately 2180 yuan to 1720 yuan during Q2, with current prices remaining below 1900 yuan [5][6]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The industry is witnessing a trend of "involution" where companies are engaging in price wars to survive, which is seen as a short-term solution that does not address the underlying issues of supply and demand imbalance [2][7]. - Major liquor companies are calling for a halt to "involution-style" competition and price wars, advocating for strategies such as reducing supply, enhancing quality, and focusing on niche markets [2][8][9].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that certain distributors of Moutai have agreed to implement measures to stabilize the market and prices for Moutai liquor, including limiting supply to specific channels [1] - Distributors have reached a consensus to restrict supply to e-commerce, wholesale markets, and out-of-province channels, aiming to control the distribution of Moutai products [1] - The wholesale reference price for Moutai liquor has slightly increased to 2000 yuan per bottle for the 2025 vintage 53-degree, 500ml packaging, indicating a recovery in pricing [1]