In Oregon we don't have a sales tax on retail items....however, we don't have a high income here either overall. I believe I heard on NPR (Nat'l Public Radio) this morning our state individual earnings were 90% of the average US state income level.
I am so sorry to hear that others are paying such high combined prices and VAT rates for fabrics.
How do you economize? I would think it would be hard to compete with quilters in the US if you are using the quilting for income.