Due to tariff changes starting May 2, 2025, we’ve made the extremely heartbreaking decision to pause shipping to the United States due to significant changes in U.S. tariff regulations.
U.S. Tariffs
Recently, changes to U.S. tariff laws were announced that are about to make things really complicated (and expensive) for small businesses like ours. The de minimis exemption, which used to let U.S. customers receive international orders under $800 without surprise fees, is being taken away by the U.S. government.
The de minimis exemption, which previously allowed U.S. customers to receive international packages valued under $800 without incurring additional duties or taxes, is being eliminated for imports from China and Hong Kong. This change is part of a broader trade policy shift by the U.S. government.
Under the new regulations, packages from these regions will now be subject to substantial tariffs - either 145% of the package value or a flat fee of $100, increasing to $200 after June 1. Yes, it's that absurd.
Although we are a Canadian business, these laws apply to any packages going into the U.S. that include items made in China, regardless of where it is coming from.
What makes this so difficult is that if even one item in your order is manufactured in China, the entire shipment becomes subject to these new tariffs. So even if 9 out of 10 items in your cart are made in Canada, the presence of a single Chinese-made item subjects the whole order to these hefty tariffs.
Our products are manufactured both domestically and internationally, and we pride ourselves on choosing the best quality manufacturers to bring our artwork & designs to life. Some of our products, like our enamel pins for instance, are manufactured in China. Enamel pins specifically are not manufactured domestically, so swapping manufacturers to get around this is not an option - and pins are like, our whole thing.
We’ve been working with our pin manufacturer for over 10 years (we even exchange Christmas gifts!), and they’re the reason our artwork is brought to life with such beautiful craftsmanship and the high quality you’ve come to expect from every pin in your collection. We won't be breaking up.
Our Response
As a small, artist-owned business, we never want to risk our customers being surprised with unexpected costs or delays. So to avoid that confusion—and any disappointment—we’ve made the hard call to pause U.S. orders for now while we see how this unfolds.
We’re actively keeping an eye on the situation, and the second it becomes possible to ship safely and fairly again—we’ll be back. U.S. customers have been supporting Sugarbones for over 10 years, and we love you more than you know. Thank you for always being with us.
In The Meantime
Please continue to monitor any of our social media platforms, like our instagram & twitter for updates. You can also sign up to our mailing list if you haven't already, and we will send out an email as soon as we're able to open up again.
With love (and crossed fingers),
Sugar xo
Founder & Designer at Sugarbones