Import from china costs extra?

I spoke to Apple again today (after having to call back 3 times because their automated system kicked me out. I hate computer answering machines). When I finally got a Customer Representative that understood what I was saying, he was aghast....and said..."Umm, hold on while I get a manager to speak to you". The manager came on almost immediately and also told me the same thing "This should never have happened". She is setting up to refund my money that I had to give to Apple via the UPS man. She said it will take about 2-3 business days, but with 4th July coming tomorrow, it may take slightly longer. She promised to send an email when the refund has processed at her end. Thank you to the two persons who responded to this forum with helpful information.

Ordered direct from Apple online (ie, apple.com).

The last response telling me to cancel the order, for some reason, I did NOT understand.

I just got off the telephone to Apple for most of an hour and 3 different Customer Representatives from Apple. They do not understand WHY I'm being told (by UPS) that I'll owe $132.17 C.O.D. to get my bought and paid for iPad Pro either. They have started a shipping investigation to find out what is going on. Meanwhile...I wait...the iPad is in the universe somewhere, we just don't know where. :-(.

The murky mystery gets deeper and deeper. After Apple told me on the phone that I did NOT owe anything, and that they would take care of it....I finally received the iPad Pro this evening while I was cooking dinner. The UPS guy said he could not deliver it unless I paid the COD charges: "$135.17, make the check out to APPLE". So basically, it is APPLE who is retroactively raising the price of the iPad Pro. I'll call Apple tomorrow to try to resolve this, and if I don't get a refund...well, let's just wait and see...