The whole article has got my goat but let’s just concentrate on two aspects.
Firstly, facts. There is no evidence given to say that 50% of CRC’s non-EU sales are going to the US. Non-EU includes European countries such as Switzerland as well as Asian Pacific markets including Australia. I have no idea what their sales figures are there and I suspect neither do CompetitiveCyclist. There is also no evidence given that Wiggle are selling the same amount as CRC in the US so the final figure of ‘almost’ $40 million exports (imports surely?) is spurious and scaremongering.
Secondly, global pricing policy set by US brands to ‘gain mindshare and marketshare’ (yeuch). A quick search of the on line global marketplace shows me I can buy a new 2012 model Cannondale RZ One Twenty XLR2 (just released so all advertised everywhere at full price) for the following price:
£2899.99 in the UK.
€2799 in Belgium (£2404.82).
$2319 in the States (£1487.91).
Now I accept that there may be tax to pay on the US price and that fluctuations in exchange rates may explain small discrepancies but this bike is not available a standard global price. The price benefits home market US customers.
So CompetitiveCyclist, get your facts straight and stop trying to dress up restraint of trade as consumer protection.
There, that’s got that off my chest. God Bless America.
