Last updated: August 12, 2025

Starting August 29, 2025, the United States plans to suspend the de minimis rule that previously allowed many small imports under $800USD to enter duty-free. After this change, U.S.-bound parcels shipped from our Montreal studio will incur import duties and customs brokerage/clearance fees charged by carriers.

Because our products are made in a few different places—Ukraine, Portugal, Canada, Turkey, and more—duty rates will vary by item and country of origin. As one example, leather bags made in Ukraine are expected to face a 19% tariff under current classifications. In addition, carriers like UPS and FedEx charge brokerage/clearance fees, commonly ~$30–$60 per shipment, in addition to tariffs collected by customs.

We know this adds real cost. As a small, Canadian business that serves many U.S. customers, it hurts. Your support is the reason we’re here—and the reason our artisan leather team in Ukraine continues to have steady work during unimaginable times. We’re deeply grateful for you.

Save 10% Before the Change (U.S. Only)

If you’ve been eyeing something, please consider ordering by August 24. Orders placed after this date may cross the border on or after the August 29 cut-off and be subject to the new fees.

Use code: STOCKUP10 at checkout for 10% off
Ends: August 24, 11:59 p.m. ET • U.S. orders only

A Personal Note from Olga

I’m an entrepreneur and a busy mom, and—like so many small business owners—I’m doing the late-night spreadsheets, the duty-code rabbit holes, and the “how do we make this work?” math. I’ll be honest: I’ve had moments where I wondered if we should close up shop because the numbers don’t add up. But I’m not giving up—because I love this community, because you’ve been with us from the start, and because our artisan leather team in Ukraine relies on this work. We’re going to find a way through. Thank you for standing with us.

— Olga (Co-founder, Thread & Maple)

What We’re Working On

We’re moving quickly to keep your costs predictable and your orders moving:

• U.S. warehousing/3PL so core items can ship domestically
• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) testing so duties/fees can be pre-paid at checkout (so you’ll know the full cost upfront and parcels move faster)
• More U.S. retail partners to put T&M products closer to you

We’ll keep you posted as these go live.

What Stays the Same—for Now

• No U.S. sales tax on our website, which helps offset some costs (while our current setup allows)
• We continue to subsidize shipping: we charge a flat $10 even though it costs us about $20 per order
• Free U.S. shipping on orders over $250

At Thread & Maple, we’ve always been about more than just crafting beautiful organizers and accessories for makers. We’re a small, passionate team that cares deeply about our craft, our community, and the people behind every stitch and seam. But right now, we’re facing a challenge that threatens the future of small Canadian businesses like ours—and we need your support.

The De Minimis Suspension: A Devastating Blow to Small Businesses

On July 30, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order directing the United States to suspend the de minimis rule on all imports.

Beginning August 29, 2025, the U.S. plans to suspend the de minimis rule that previously allowed most small imports (under $800 USD) to enter duty-free. After this change, U.S.-bound parcels shipped from overseas will be assessed import duties based on what the item is and where it was made, plus carrier brokerage/clearance fees.

Duty will vary by item and country of origin. 

What that looks like in real life: a $200 leather bag (made in Ukraine) could incur ~$38 in duty + $30–$60 in brokerage—~$68–$98 more after August 27 (actual amounts vary by item, origin, and carrier). Additionally, parcels will be delayed at the border, with the volume of shipments needing to pass customs clearance sky-rocketing.

For large companies, these added costs are frustrating but often absorbable. For small, independent businesses like ours, they’re a serious strain. We don’t have the margins or scale to simply swallow these fees—and we worry about what this means for our team and community, including our artisan leather makers in Ukraine who rely on this work. We’re committed to being transparent, to finding practical solutions, and to keeping you informed every step of the way.

Our Commitment to Keeping Shipping Affordable

We know that shipping costs can add up quickly, and we’re committed to keeping them as low as possible for our U.S. customers. While the actual cost to ship our products to the U.S. averages $20 per parcel (2kg or less), we only charge a flat $10 shipping fee—covering half of the cost ourselves.

We’re also continuing to offer free shipping on all U.S. orders over $250.

Your Support Makes a Difference

By choosing to shop with us, you’re not just purchasing a knitting accessory—you’re directly supporting a small business, skilled artisans, and a global knitting community that thrives on creativity and connection.

We know this tariff is frustrating, and we’re doing everything we can to make it easier for you to continue enjoying the handcrafted pieces you love. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for standing by us, for choosing handmade, and for being a part of the Thread & Maple family.

With gratitude,