China’s Regulator Probes Trip.com over Monopolistic Hotel Bookings; ADS Plunge 22%
China’s SAMR has launched an investigation into Trip.com’s hotel booking operations for anti-competitive practices, with the company holding over 60% of China’s online travel market. Following the probe announcement, Trip.com’s ADS plunged 22% over four trading days, and regulators may impose fines and force divestitures of Tongcheng and Qunar.
1. Rosen Law Firm Launches Securities Investigation
On January 16, 2026, the Rosen Law Firm announced a formal investigation into Trip.com Group Limited following allegations that the company provided materially misleading information to investors. Shareholders who acquired Trip.com ADS may seek recovery of losses under a contingency fee arrangement. The class action is being prepared after Investing.com reported on January 14 that Chinese regulators had initiated an antitrust probe, triggering a 17% decline in Trip.com ADS trading on that day. The Rosen Law Firm highlights its record $438 million recovery for securities class members in 2019 and its status as the top‐ranked firm for global securities class action settlements in 2017.
2. China’s Market Regulator Opens Antitrust Probe
On January 14, 2026, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation announced an investigation into Trip.com’s hotel booking operations for potential anti‐competitive practices. The probe centers on the company’s use of exclusivity agreements with hotels and its majority‐control strategy, which has secured over 60% of the domestic online travel market through direct operations and investments in rivals. Following the disclosure, Trip.com ADS lost 22% of its value over four trading days. Chinese authorities may impose substantial fines, require divestiture of stakes in Tongcheng and Qunar, and ban exclusivity clauses that limit competitor access to inventory.