There are three countries in the world that do not use the metric system -- Liberia, Myanmar, and the United States. Canada went metric in 1970.
Even way back when fabric was sold by the yard here in Canada, it was still more expensive than in the US, mostly due to exchange rates, import duties, and taxes. That will never change. Thank heaven for on-line stores!
If I buy good quality 100% cotton quilting fabric locally, it costs me anywhere from $12.00/m (solids) - $24.00/m (for hand-dyed imported batiks). On top of that, I have to pay a 13% sales tax.
And I say again, thank heaven for on-line stores!