I understand your distinction but don't think of it in quite the same way. Arbitrage of goods and services are a useful means of meeting human needs. If location X has a surplus, and thus lower prices, then buying in X and moving it to Y, where they have a shortage and thus higher prices, benefits the people in location Y.

It increases their supply and puts downward pressure on prices. When I lived in Berlin I was a short walk from KaDeWe and would go there to buy some of my favorite U.S. food items in their American section. I paid a premium for it but still appreciated having the option.