Last updated: September 10th, 2025
We are thrilled to reopen our doors to our American neighbours and friends! We have confirmed DDP shipping works with Canada Post/USPS (albeit sluggishly!)
From September 10th onward, all U.S. orders will ship DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). This means Thread & Maple will prepay and absorb all duties and brokerage fees, so there are no surprise costs on your end and your parcel moves through customs without delay.Â
One strange thing happened - PayPal has stopped working for U.S. customers when we resumed shipping. This is not isolated to our shop and we are hoping for a quick resolution from Shopify. Thanks so much for your patience!
Shipping DDP is not a sustainable solution for us long-term, but as a small business, we canât simply stop selling to the U.S.âtoo much is at stake. Our Ukrainian leather team relies on consistent monthly orders to stay employed, and weâre committed to keeping that lifeline intact.
Weâve secured a 3rd party warehouse in New York and are working hard to have it fully operational by early October. Once live, most of our products will ship domestically within the U.S.. We will still need to cover duties to import our products into the U.S., but the customs brokerage fees on consolidated bulk shipments will be much lower.Â
Note that we will need to begin charging and remitting New York local state taxes once the warehouse is set up, so all NY orders will be charged tax on checkout.
What's Going On?
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 placesâUkraine, Portugal, Canada, Turkey, and moreâduty 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 ~$30â$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 weâre hereâand the reason our artisan leather team in Ukraine continues to have steady work during unimaginable times. Weâre deeply grateful for you.
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Click here to read the full story about what's happening to small businesses like ours.
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A Personal Note from Olga
Iâm an entrepreneur and a busy mom, andâlike so many small business ownersâIâm doing the late-night spreadsheets, the duty-code rabbit holes, and the âhow do we make this work?â math. Iâll be honest: Iâve had moments where I wondered if we should close up shop because the numbers donât add up. But Iâm not giving upâbecause I have worked very hard, because I love this community, because youâve been with us from the start, and because our artisan leather team in Ukraine relies on this work. Weâre going to find a way through. Thank you for standing with us.
â Olga (Co-founder, Thread & Maple)
What Weâre Working On
Weâre 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) so duties/fees can be pre-paid at checkout (so youâll know the full cost upfront and parcels move faster)
- More U.S. retail partners to put T&M products closer to you
Weâll keep you posted as these go live.
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At Thread & Maple, weâve always been about more than just crafting beautiful organizers and accessories for makers. Weâre a small, passionate team that cares deeply about our craft, our community, and the people behind every stitch and seam. But right now, weâre facing a challenge that threatens the future of small Canadian businesses like oursâand we need your support.
Your Support Makes a Difference
By choosing to shop with us, youâre not just purchasing a knitting accessoryâyouâre directly supporting a small business, skilled artisans, and a global knitting community that thrives on creativity and connection.
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We know this tariff is frustrating, and weâre doing everything we can to make it easier for you to continue enjoying the handcrafted pieces you love. If you have any questions, please donât 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,
