Why is shipping from USA so frickin $$$!?

[AppelFrench]

I've just been quoted $47 to ship 15m of ribbon to the UK. This is insane. Even the normal shipping rate of about $14 feels painful. Why is it so expensive when you can order from China & shipping is peanuts? And I'm not talking customs expenses, just the shipping cost. Aibu? It's like they're actively trying to discourage trade.

China pays a lower rate for shipping than the US. International agreements were set a long time ago when China was less advanced than it is now. Different countries pay different rates based on an outdated assessment of their ability to pay.

Because the Chinese make absolute shite for very little cost, have terrible labour and human rights laws and don't have to pay fines for fucking up the environment. It means they can keep all costs down, including postage. The US can't compete on cost, but the product is much better. Postage is passed directly on to the customer.