My perspective, not about autographs, is that once upon a time we bought cheap items from Japan, then Taiwan, then China, and now Vietnam, India, Fiji, ... in other words it is a progression and when the UK, USA, Australia (my home) become cheaper than the alternatives then the gear will be made there. However, wherever we may live we will still look for the best quality but cheapest gear. And accordingly manufacturers will always look for the cheapest alternative.