That doesn't make sense to me at all - it is a compulsory charge, is it not? So it is not a choice for a seller. Why is it not included in the postage calculator is then a complete mistery.

Is there perhaps a way of using a calculator and adding a $9 on top of that?

(absorbing is not an option as I don't even make $9 on some of the items i sell. setting a flat rate is not option either for a similar reason - some items cost $10 to post to usa, while others cost $60. calculating everything manually would be a nightmare, it would literally take months to do)