High costs in New Zealand driven by small size, lack of competition
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Food prices in NZ are high because we export most of what we produce and pay global market rates. Lack of competition among supermarkets also drives up costs.
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Clothing and footwear is more expensive in NZ than many countries due to higher costs of production and shipping to a small market.
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Electricity prices are high despite renewable sources because of lack of scale and competition.
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Fuel costs more due partly to taxes, and interest rates are higher than other countries.
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NZ's lack of economies of scale compared to larger markets reduces efficiency and keeps costs high overall.