US economy shrank 0.5% in the first quarter, worse than earlier estimates

Since there was a lot of confusion in some people/president heads about VAT: this is more or less the equivalent of Sales Tax that you can have in the US. The rate is different depending on which country you are in (in France the main rate for most products is 20%).

If you are traveling or sell in Europe: in Europe, it is generally expected (or even mandatory) that customers are displayed the price all taxes included.

In the UK retailers that sell to consumers must include VAT in the listed price

Companies selling to other companies normally use an ex VAT price and then VAT is added on top

> in Europe, it is generally expected (or even mandatory) that customers are displayed the price all taxes included.

It's mandatory to include VAT in displayed consumer prices, yeah. In some countries there are _other_ point of sale fees which may not have to be displayed, though; in particular deposit return fees for cans and bottles often aren't displayed.