In this pap0er we examine the determinants of audit fees by frocusing on auditor industry
Specialization and second tier auditors in the Chinese market. We find evidence of big
4 premiums for brand name as well as industry specialization in both the statutory and
Supplementary market. Bet 4 industry specialists earn additional premiums in the statutory
Market as compared to non-industry specialists. We also find that market expansion did
Not provide the second tier auditors any price advantage. These auditors increased their
Market share mainly in the mid-and small-sized clienteles. Moreover, industry experience
Developed by the second tier firms my have helped them gain economy of scale and recuce
Service fees. This may be their strategy to win future clients that seek low-price audits.