Although not particulary concerned to calculators, but just to complement an old post by Luiz Vieira, from Brazil too.
I believe we, brazilians citizens, do not need to have earth-quakes, or hurricanes or terrorist actions! We have our Government doing very well this role.
When we import goods, just see what happens in Customs:
- take the goods price: lets say an HP calculator at US$100;
- add the shipping costs: US$40 => total US$140;
Well, the Federal tax IPI will be 60% over total = 84US$;
But not only the Federal Government is hungry! The State is too! But State is furious with Federal Government! So, it will add to total costs, the Federal Tax, giving another new calculus-basis: 140 + 84 = 224 US$ !!! So, you will have to pay a tax over the Federal tax!
You must calculate 18% over the new price: 224 * 18% = US$40. This "would" be the State Tax, but I've said "would". Include the US$40 in the new price and calculate it again!!!! 224 + 40 = 264 US$.
Now, 264 * 18% = 47 US$
Finally, you have the final product cost:
original product price: 100US$
shipping costs: 40US$
In Brazil:
Federal Tax: 84US$
State tax: 47US$
So, your new calculator have a final price of: 311US$
Now you can imagine why we are a so 3rd world country, always called "in development" ...
It does not care how we citizens fight to bring some technology, the Brazilian Government works hard to defeat us and keep our country in the list of the worst in the world in many aspects!
This is why I appreciate so much USA actions: at least it seems your Government works for improving and to defent your Country...
Just an opinion of a very desgusted and tired citizen .....
Artur