The United States Postal Service (USPS) is proposing yet another increase in the price of first-class stamps, marking the fourth hike in less than two years. Under the proposal, the cost of a first-class stamp would rise to 73 cents, constituting roughly a 7% increase across all postage categories.
USPS
If approved, the plan, announced on Tuesday, would elevate the price of various postage categories, including metered 1-ounce letters to 69 cents, international ounce-size letters and postcards to $1.65, and domestic postcards to 56 cents. The proposal awaits final approval from the independent Postal Regulatory Commission, with the potential implementation of the new prices scheduled for July.
This move follows previous increases, with the price of a first-class stamp raised to 68 cents from 66 cents on January 21, and stamp prices having risen twice in 2023 alone. Over the past two decades, the price of a first-class stamp has surged by approximately 84%.
Reaction to the proposal has been mixed, with some, like New Yorker Jacqueline Pollen, expressing frustration over the escalating costs, particularly for those on fixed incomes. Others, like Manhattan resident Albert Quiles, have resigned themselves to the inevitability of higher postal prices, citing the need to adapt to changing times.
The postage price hike is part of the USPS’s broader 10-year “Delivering for America” plan, aimed at transforming the organization into a financially sustainable and efficient entity. The USPS faced a $6.5 billion net loss in 2023, amidst declining revenue and reduced first-class mail usage, prompting efforts to realign pricing strategies for sustainability.
