Is it ‘Dumping’ or a Double Standard?
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“Devaluation’s Price” [Dec. 15] points out Microsoft’s generous willingness to “sustain the pain for as long as it takes.” What Microsoft is clearly doing, through the obfuscations of currency rate protection and extended payment terms, is cutting prices. Thais and Malaysians will now pay less than Americans for Microsoft products.
We call that “dumping” when the Japanese do it to us.
Microsoft’s action is therefore patently illegal under present U.S. trade regulations. One does not, however, see the U.S. Congress demanding a change in Microsoft policy, though it is quick to do so with Japanese manufacturers.
Isn’t it time to address the true policy issue: Should or should not any private corporation (American or Japanese or any other) have the right to take such pricing action as it considers necessary to maintain or improve its market share? Why or why not?
CARL G. HOKANSON
Los Angeles
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