THE IMPACT OF THE TRADE LAW ON THE BALANCE OF INTERESTS BETWEEN SUPPLIERS AND RETAIL CHAINS

The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of government regulation in the food retail sector and identify systemic problems in achieving a balance of interests among market participants. The research is aimed at analyzing the functioning of regulatory mechanisms governing relationships between suppliers and retail chains, established by Federal Law No. 381-FZ and its amendments, within the context of the overall system of state governance of commercial activities. Based on the analysis of the regulatory framework and results of ROMIR sociological research (18 in-depth interviews with representatives of food supply companies in 2024), it was revealed that the current regulation has not achieved its stated goals of improving suppliers' position. A significant imbalance in negotiating positions in favor of retail chains has been found to persist, especially concerning small and medium-sized businesses. It was discovered that market participants adapted to restrictions on the size of remuneration payments to retail chains (no more than 5% of the purchased goods' price) through conversion to on-invoice payments and the use of other regulatory circumvention mechanisms, which reduced the transparency of contractual relations. The scientific novelty of the research lies in identifying the ineffectiveness of existing regulatory mechanisms and justifying the need for a differentiated approach to regulation by product categories. The practical significance consists in developing management recommendations for improving legislation considering changes in the food retail markets, including strengthening antitrust control and regulating marketplace operations.