[Milsurplus] The End of International Trade for Individuals?

[David Stinson]

A gentleman in Australia bought a BC-659 from me.
The package weighs 31 pounds.
I just checked on shipping costs- lowest rate available:

USPS: $125
USP:  $357 (?!!?)
FedEx:  $327 (?!?)

It's more than twice what it would cost
to send it to Europe (that rate's an outrage, too).
It's appalling;  I can't ask him to pay that.  
I'm embarrassed to even suggest it.  
I've told the man he can cancel the deal if he wishes.
Surely these rates can't be based on any realistic 
cost-plus-profit model.  What on Earth is going on?

Thanks for letting me vent,
Dave S.