Accuphase pricing Japan vs. USA

Its not just distributors marking up prices but duties and taxes.

plus insurance, warehousing, setting up a distribution network, marketing and advertising, trade shows, dealer support and warranty repairs...........

Vintage audio in the US goes for twice the price in Japan. They pay tons for the stuff that they made in the 60s and 70s. Example: sansui au 9500 here 700. In Japan 1500-2000. I’d love to start an export business in vintage Japanese audio. 
Too bad I chose to swing a hammer instead. 

and if you buy grey market goods no parts or service

And often the same if you don't .

Regarding pricing in different countries, it also depends on the image branding the manufacturer has adopted for a particular country. In the US, Mercedes cars are marketed as high-end, exclusive autos. Meanwhile in Europe, while you still see the fancy models, you'll also see the brand used as taxi cabs. 

It is not unusual for a manufacturer to adopt different approaches for different countries with a more common mass market line in one region (often their home market) and a more upscale only approach in other markets where they may not want to scuffle with the hoi polloi competitors.