In this piece, we will take a look at the five least regulated and industries. For more industries, head on over to 10 Least Regulated Industries and Businesses.
5. Wholesale Trade
Number of Federal Regulations in 2020: 11,863
Wholesale trade is a sector of the consumer goods economy that is crucial to its functioning yet remains often out of focus. It involves professional or government users such as agencies or retailers buying products in bulk. In fact, wholesale trade is so big that one of the world’s largest online retailers, Alibaba, has grown simply by focusing on this sector and by facilitating cross border wholesale trade. Another retailer, Amazon, which also has a consumer facing arm, also engages in wholesale trade and has an entire seller network built around this industry.
4. Agriculture
Number of Federal Regulations in 2020: 5,659
Agriculture is the backbone of the modern day world and a sector that has contributed to civilization’s growth over the ages. Human societies only began to expand once our ancestors started to settle down in societies. The agriculture industry in America has several regulations. These include regulations surrounding the discharge of water tainted with animal feed, the use of chemicals for crops, storing wood, and the storage and disposal of pesticides.
3. Accommodation and Food Services
Number of Federal Regulations in 2020: 4,548
The accommodation and food services sector has faced several shocks these couple of years as it first had to face the brutal effects of the coronavirus pandemic as foot traffic dried up and facilities were shut down. Then, the inflationary pressures hit, making it difficult to run facilities and reducing demand. The sector has to follow a variety of health and hygiene regulations since it is one of the closest consumer facing industries that have a direct impact on public health.
2. Management of Companies and Enterprises
Number of Federal Regulations in 2020: 510
Managing companies is perhaps one of the most lucrative industries with a lot of people wanting to join. This is due to the massive compensation packages that chief executive officers manage to score for themselves. These commonly range in the millions of dollars, and bring with them the prestige of managing thousands of employees. Management though has to follow a lot of rules, particularly those that prevent them from trading shares based on information that is not available to the general public.
1. Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
Number of Federal Regulations in 2020: 254
The real estate and leasing industry is one of the biggest in the world – but also often invites controversy. This is due to the constant tussle between landlords and tenants – due to the latter often decrying the former’s heartlessness, while the landlords keep pointing out the risks of renting out property.
Disclosure: None. You can also take a look at 35 Best Destinations in the World for Cultural Tourism and 10 Best Fast Food Stocks to Invest In.
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