Global: International antitrust regs pick up slack after US budget cuts

The US has long held the top antitrust authorities, often standing as an example to follow for other nations setting their own competition guidelines. But according to reports, the recent budget cuts to hit the US Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice may threaten the agencies’ chances of reaching more than $1 billion in collected antitrust fines, as they have done in the past two years.

Despite the financial restrictions – meaning fewer resources and employees – reports say the spread of competition regulation throughout the globe means companies cannot lag in their adherence to antitrust laws.

Firms engaging in international commerce now have to face the more than 115 national competition authorities that have been established this far, especially as nations like China begin to focus their anti-cartel, anti-collusion and anti-price-fixing efforts on nondomestic companies.

Read the full analysis of this trend below.

Full Content: Reuters

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