I order a fair number of books and CDs from the U. S. (I am in Canada).
Yesterday I ordered a book, and I got a note from the dealer that he needed extra postage. I refused (since the charge was almost double the book cost) and the order was cancelled.
The dealer said that the U.S. Post had done away with surface mail and hence the charge.

I checked the postal rates to Canada, and the cheapest now for a parcel up to 4 pounds, Priority, box 9"x6"x2", is $11.35 (paid on line). The cheapest for any parcel is $9.65.

I can order from UK (I get many of my CDs and DVDs from there, and a few books) for less. The book dealer told me the same.

(If the material is available in Canada reasonably, of course I get it).