PSN US & EU Price Difference (NOT A RANT)

[Fahad]

Hello Everybody...,

I am not here to complain about the price differences between the two stores, but I am here to ask for clarification. I am well aware that the difference is not solely in game's developers' hands, but I would like an explanation as to 'HOW' does this happen, before I rant.
I always believe in supplier's right as much as I support customer's option.
I believe in the supplier's right for making any pricing decision they see fit, and it's not their job to benefit the cost on the consumer.

[kaya_suzumiya]

EU prices get taxed for the digital sales tax while NA doesnt since NA hasnt started taxing that yet i think

[repoe]

Short answer: economics.

Not all states in usa charges sales tax, which pretty much makes it easier to not include tax across the board. Whereas EU vat is at like 25‰ or some thing like that which is included in EU PSN

[Alberel]

Given that the physical copies sold at retailers and directly from SE also have the hiked price in the EU it's safe to say that price gouging is the reason. Even if you account for all applicable taxes in both regions both the physical and digital EU versions costs considerably more. There is no explanation other than greed for that.

[repoe]

You are aware digital items fall and are classified under the same umbrella as electronics under the WTO. Import and tariffs included. Assuming they are imported directly from Japan or the u.s, which neither have a free trade agreement eith EU iirc

[Fahad]

then How come it is always identical to the NA price (in number not in amount)??
switching from $59.99 to €59.99 or to £59.99? this doesn't look like taxes and importing fees included, this looks like : "meh just put it as is" kind of solution.
because no way if they sat down and figured the actual price would be it would turn up to be exactly £59.99 don't you think?