The discrepancy between the domestic price of China's prestigious liquor, Maotai, and its retail cost in the United States is causing a quite stir. You would think that an imported product would cost more once it arrives in a foreign country. However, it is not the case with Maotai.

The award-winning white liquor from Guizhou Province is often enjoyed at special occasions. China News Service reports it's apparently sold in foreign countries for about half of what it costs in China.

As Spring Festival approaches, many Chinese in New York have been buying up cases of Maotai to send to China as gifts.

A wine and liquor store owner in New York, said, "We were out of supply yesterday. There were many people going for Maotai during the past two weeks. They bought case by case."

The price discrepancy has drawn some strong reaction on the Internet. Expert say the lower price in US is based on the fact there's less demand for the liquor overseas.

Zhang Hanlin, professor of University of International Business & Economics,said, "Chinese strong white liquor is not well-received by consumers from foreign countries. On the contrary, Chinese people love Maotai very much. In such circumstances, it is not wrong to set up different prices for consumers in different nations."

While the price discrepancy could be seen as justified due to market conditions, it still makes most consumers in China feel uncomfortable. To bridge the gap between China and foreign countries, Professor Zhang Hanlin suggests the company decrease foreign market supply and increase domestic supply.

But while the debate continues, the desire for Maotai is not diminishing. Beijing-based First Financial Daily reports more than 30 Maotai franchise stores in Beijing are running low on supply due to the high demand.

词句笔记：
prestigious liquor：著名白酒
causing a quite stir：引起争论
well-received：受到好评
bridge the gap：填补差距

口译备考之看英语视频练复述系列>>