Why is it so difficult to control consumer prices when selling overseas?
There are many variables which must be considered when attempting to control consumer prices overseas. Among these are: tariffs on imports, "dumping" tariffs, sales taxes, distributive channel costs, added middlemen costs, and shipping costs. It is very difficult to control consumer prices when selling overseas.
Price escalation is one of the main reasons, as prices escalate differently. Some profiteering is also found in some countries, thus upsetting any consumer price control. Dumping, being defined differently, is treated differently under various laws making for more varied prices. Firms operating overseas have less ways to protect themselves from price variations and fluctuating exchange rates also tend to increase price fluctuations. In addition, many retailers overseas don't like price competition and avoid it if possible by raising or lowering their prices.