Chinese Antitrust Probe Rattles Travel Sector as Trip.com Shares Tumble
Trip.com shares plunged 17% after Chinese regulators launched an antitrust investigation into the online travel giant. The State Administration for Market Regulation is scrutinizing potential monopolistic behavior, echoing recent crackdowns on tech firms like Nvidia and Meta Platforms.
Singapore-based Trip.com confirmed cooperation with authorities but faces investor skepticism. The probe coincides with heightened regulatory oversight of cross-border deals, including Meta's AI startup acquisition.
Market reaction underscores growing risks for dominant platforms in China's tightening compliance environment. Travel sector volatility may persist until regulatory outcomes become clear.