I have a uk macbook pro 13 2018 with thunderbolt 3 ports also known as usb c ports BUT the us thunderbolt 3 is far more powerful than the usb c

No worries. The Thunderbolt 3 port/socket is a multi-output port, able to carry video, data, charging and I think audio. It is compatible with USB-C and miniDisplayPort (with the correct cable/adapter) among other things. I don't know of any difference between UK and US Thunderbolt 3 ports. They should be the same no matter where you're from.

hope that helps a bit

john b

"USB-C" is the type/style of connector. I really hate the name "USB-C" for these ports since they are capable of more than just the USB protocol. I wish they would have named the ports something more generic like "Mini multi-port connector". Sometimes it can get confusing even for the more technical people especially when purchasing hardware accessories ;-)

It has been reported on these forums that the ports on the left side are capable of higher bandwidth than the ones on the right IIRC. This could make a difference with some displays or Thunderbolt 3 drives.

Everymac.com has only this brief note in an extended comparison article on their site:

13-Inch "Touch Bar" MacBook Pro models before the "Mid-2018" line have reduced Thunderbolt 3 performance on two of their four ports.

The port is capable of handling USB C, Thunderbolt 3, Display Port or channel power for charging the computer depending on what kind of cable is plugged into it.