Why are TVs WAY cheaper in USA?

It seems an obvious fact that everything in Hong Kong always more expensive compared to the US these days. From real estate, to cars, to cameras, and now to 3DTVs. But the absurdity is how much MORE expensive that price differential is. While I'm not suggesting an arbitrage for profit, these days it seems to only make more sense to buy an 3D HDTV from the States online, pay for the shipping /insurance and STILL come out way way ahead! Yes, you need a voltage down converter (~HKD 400) there is a risk of damage on shipping, and you don't have a local 1 year warranty on the TV, but the amount you save can easily pay for multiple repairs multiple times over!


Case in point: The latest Sharp 70" HDTV AQUOS® Quattron™ 3D Technology (model number LC-70LE735U) in the USA costs a mere USD $3500 (ie: HKD 27,300), while the exact same unit being offered today at Fortress in Hong Kong (under the Model number LC-70X55H) is being offered at HKD 89,880 (with $4000 rebate plus free 3D glasses if you buy before Jan 31st 2012). Mind you, you cannot get any 60" 3D LEDTV in Hong Kong for under HKD 50K!


By looking at the specs from the Operating manuals, one can see it is the exact same unit with a different model number (Asia and US have different model numbers for the same unit):


USA

http://files.sharpusa.com/Downloads/ForHome/HomeEntertainment/LCDTVs/Manuals/tel_man_LC70LE735U.pdf


Hong Kong

http://www.sharp.com.hk/html/product_files/X55%2020110920_EN_Final.pdf


Why is it that local big name retailers can charge nearly 3X for the EXACT same product in Hong Kong? This may sound like a naive question, but am I missing something here?


Or can there be something more sinister going on such as monopolistic collusion / price fixing among the largest retailers?


Anyone have a clue or notice the same thing with other Brands /models?

The market for 70" TVs is much bigger in the US than HK. 250mm vs 8mm people. Plus if you reduce that further into people with large enough living rooms to warrant a 70" tv we're looking at 200mm vs 100k (sorry, numbers are for directional correctness not absoulte correctness). Secondly Fortress charges a higher price for electronics than websites like price.com.