In a bold move to protect consumers and promote fair competition, North Carolina has announced a series of new antitrust measures aimed at regulating trade and preventing monopolistic practices. The state's Attorney General, Sarah Thompson, unveiled the new regulations during a press conference on February 18, 2026.One of the key provisions of the new antitrust measures is the establishment of a dedicated task force to investigate and prosecute anticompetitive behavior by large corporations operating in North Carolina. The task force will have the authority to conduct thorough investigations, impose fines, and recommend criminal charges against companies found to be in violation of the state's antitrust laws.Attorney General Thompson emphasized the importance of these new measures in ensuring a level playing field for all businesses and protecting consumers from monopolies that can drive up prices and limit choice. "Competition is essential for a healthy economy, and we must do everything we can to prevent unfair practices that harm consumers and stifle innovation," Thompson said.The announcement of the new antitrust measures comes on the heels of a recent investigation into alleged price-fixing in the pharmaceutical industry. The investigation revealed that several major drug companies were colluding to artificially inflate the prices of essential medications, leading to skyrocketing healthcare costs for North Carolina residents.In response to these findings, the state's Department of Trade and Commerce has imposed hefty fines on the companies involved and initiated legal proceedings to hold them accountable for their actions. The new antitrust measures are expected to strengthen the state's ability to crack down on such illegal practices and protect consumers from price gouging.North Carolina's decision to bolster its antitrust regulations reflects a growing trend of states taking proactive measures to regulate trade and protect consumers in the face of increasing corporate consolidation and market dominance. By implementing these new measures, North Carolina is sending a strong message that anticompetitive behavior will not be tolerated within its borders.As the state moves forward with the implementation of these new antitrust measures, Attorney General Thompson has urged businesses to comply with the law and engage in fair and ethical business practices. "We will not hesitate to take swift and decisive action against those who seek to undermine competition and harm consumers," Thompson warned.Overall, the introduction of these new antitrust measures signals North Carolina's commitment to promoting a competitive marketplace that benefits both businesses and consumers. With stronger regulations in place, the state is poised to protect its economy from monopolistic practices and ensure