Economist: In 2015, the average per-person amount paid for goods and services purchased by consumer in Country X was the equivalent of $17,570 in United States dollars, just 30 percent of the corresponding figure of $58,566 for Country Y. Yet in 2015, there was already a substantial middle class in Country X that had discretionary income for middle-class consumer goods such as new vehicles, computers, or major household appliances, while a significant portion of the middle class in Country Y did not have sufficient income to purchase such items.

Which of the following, if true, most helps explain the discrepancy in the relationships described by the economist?

A:There are many consumer goods, such as household appliances, that are produced in Country X to be sold in the Country Y market.

B:The volume of trade between Country X and Country Y is increasing rapidly in both directions.

C:The economy of Country Y is recovering from a downturn that affected both Country Y and Country X.

D:Country X residents pay much less than their Country Y counterparts for housing, transportation, and child care.

E:In Country Y as well as in Country X, there are few assembly-line jobs in factories that pay a middle-class wage.