I think it's fair to assume the labour costs are lower in Ecuador than in the USA. I also think it's fair to assume that furniture costs less in Ecuador than in the USA (though probably relatively more in terms of GDP because of the price efficiencies of the big box store).

So yes, you're right, I have assumed this. And if you disagree with this assumption then you're going to disagree with my argument. However, the article provides some good evidence that this assumption is true. I would be interested to hear any evidence that it's not...?