The proposed 5-cent increase will increase stamp prices by 56% since 2019 as USPS continues to seek long-term financial stability.
If approved by the Postal Regulation Authority, the price increase will take effect on July 13th, representing an increase of approximately 7.4% across postal services. A similar increase applies to metering letters, national and international postcards and other postal products.
The proposed rate adjustment follows a similar increase in stamp prices that rose from 68 cents to 73 cents last year. Introduced in 2007, Forever Stamps is a top-notch postage stamp that can be used to mail standard letters at any time, regardless of future price increases.
The USPS said in a statement that changes are needed to support a 10-year plan aimed at modernizing infrastructure, improving services and expanding long-standing budget shortages. Officials said they noted that USPS prices remained one of the lowest internationally and that the agency has not received taxpayer funds for operational costs.
“As mail and transport markets continue to change, these price adjustments are necessary to ensure that organizations achieve the financial stability they require by offering the US 10-year plan,” the agency said. “USPS prices are one of the most affordable prices in the world.”
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The proposed changes will reduce postal insurance costs by 12%, depending on pending regulatory decisions and include separate pricing requests for marketing emails and packaging services.
USPS faces financial burdens as first-class mail volumes continue to decline in the digital age, with retailers like Amazon starting to offer some of their packaging. That pressure has been strengthened in recent years, prompting a series of rates and operational reforms.
Former postmaster Louis DeJoy, who resigned in March, warned Americans to expect an increase in unpleasant postal charges as part of the agency’s efforts to correct what he describes as a “flawed pricing model.” Dejoy’s departure followed broader debate within the Trump administration, even over the restructuring or privatization of the USP.
Deputy Postmaster General Doug Turino is currently acting as the agency’s director. It delivers mail seven days a week in addresses 6, or many regions, for over 169 million people.
The Postal Regulation Board is expected to issue a final ruling on the proposal in the coming weeks.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
