Finance & economics | Reds under the bed

America’s anti-price-gouging laws are too minor to be communist

No matter what critics of Kamala Harris allege

Eggs are pictured.
On their facePhotograph: Reuters
|Washington, DC

Kamala Harris’s price-gouging ban would be the first of its kind nationally in America. It is far from clear that such a policy is required. But it would have precedent at lower levels of government: 37 states have rules to stop firms from “excessive” price rises. Those decrying Ms Harris’s idea as a step towards communism can be reassured that many are Republican strongholds, from Arkansas to Idaho.

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This article appeared in the Finance & economics section of the print edition under the headline “Reds under the bed”

From the August 24th 2024 edition

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