Back in the early part of the 21st century I bought loads of CDs DVDs and music gear from the USA
and saved substantial amounts on UK rip off prices.

But if I recall the exchange rate was significantly in our favour back then.

It seems after 9/11 and dramatically increased homeland security, shipping charges from USA rose to exorbitant levels...???

At around that same time UK Govt reduced the tax threshold on purchases
so it was no longer even viable to buy a bunch of CDs from a USA seller.

Over that threshold we get charged import duties and VAT not only on the products, but also the total shipping fees...

So instead of buying guitars from USA ebay sellers every month or so like I used to,
Now I've only bought 1 guitar in the last 5 or more years.... 😢