Perhaps I am, altough normally I under think
.
It's all possible, your reasoning is right with the assumption that HK pays a steady rate with variable volumes which would indeed make the price per product higher when volume drops. If they pay a variable rate, like I would as a customer, than shipping via Asia would always be cheaper.
Oh well, it doesn't matter what the reason is. The fact is that somethings are cheaper and we should benefit from that
p.s. other reasons could be better customer service with DOA and other warrantee claims and obviously attracting new business.