I had the same thought. It seems like it would be cheaper to send everything over in one crate and then send it out via local post once it's in country. I wonder if that would simplify customs or make it more difficult.
The odd thing is that international shipping rates are often lower than domestic shipping rates and don't vary much by destination country, so this can be a losing strategy.
International rates are regulated by the Universal Postal Union. Well, the rates that the postal provider pays is regulated, they can charge you as they please. I suspect the rates for the postal providers are just per ton or container, regardless of the number of packages, and in HK/China, they pass on the savings to the sender.
My Square reader came to Canada from somewhere in Europe (I think).
I'll also add that many of my HK/China packages come "Registered". It must be really cheap or free. This can be annoying, and I wonder if it's even optional, or standard.