Starbucks may be next target of China antitrust probe   

A Starbucks Chain in Beijing. (Photo: www.cnr.cn)

(ECNS) – Overseas-funded companies, including Starbucks and some pharmaceutical enterprises, might be targeted by China's anti-monopoly authorities for making much higher profits in China than in western countries, the Shanghai Securities News reported, citing an unnamed official.

China has ramped up anti-monopoly scrutiny since last year. The investigations have covered industries such as automobiles, wines, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, milk powder and more. Domestic and overseas companies suspected of price fixing have been targeted.

A number of foreign carmakers came under anti-monopoly probes last month. Some brands including BMW, Toyota, Honda and Nissan have cut replacement part prices in response.

Four BMW dealers in Hubei province were fined a combined 1.63 million yuan (US$264,773) for deceptive pricing and setting unified prices for pre-delivery inspections, according to chinadaily.com.cn on Thursday.

Experts said the anti-monopoly probes would benefit Chinese consumers and China's automobile industry.

In 2013, Moutai and Wuliangye, two high-end Chinese liquor brands, were fined 449 million yuan in total for price monopoly. Six foreign milk-powder makers, Biostime and Mead Johnson included, were fined 668.73 million yuan for the same reason.