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By Chloe Mayer
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Mailing a letter will set Americans back more today than it did last week, after the United States Postal Service (USPS) raised the cost of its stamps.
The price increase came into effect on July 13, but has been planned for a while as Newsweek reported back in April.
The increased rates come as the embattled agency grapples with losing more than $100 billion since 2007, including $9.5 billion in the 12 months ending September 30, 2024. The USPS has also been fending off calls for privatization amid scrutiny from President Donald Trump's administration, and is now seeking a new permanent leader after Postmaster General Louis DeJoy quit in March.
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Newsweek has reached out by email to USPS seeking comment.
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Why It Matters
Prices rose on July 13 and the new rates are set to affect millions of Americans who rely on the USPS to deliver their mail to friends, families, clients or businesses. The agency serves almost 169 million addresses in the U.S., delivering more mail and packages than any other postal service in the world, according to the USPS website.
But long-suffering American customers have been hit with a wave of price rises over the past few years. There was a backlash when the USPS raised its rates last summer; the sixth such rise since 2020. Despite the public's reaction, there was another price rise in January 2025 and a further rise on the cost of stamps from this week.
What To Know
The cost of a Forever Stamp, which can be used at any time in the future regardless of how much a stamp costs at the point in time, is among those being hit with higher prices. Purchasing one Forever Stamp will now cost an additional 5 cents, with the price rising from 73 cents to 78 cents.
Letters metered at 1 ounce will also hike in cost, from 69 cents to 74 cents, while the additional-ounce price for single-piece letters will increase from 28 cents to 29 cents.
The price for sending domestic postcards will rise from 56 cents to 61 cents, while mailing costs for sending international postcards and international letters will both rise in price from $1.65 to $1.70.
What People Are Saying
The United States Postal Service (USPS) previously said in an announcement about this week's price hikes: "As changes in the mailing and shipping marketplace continue, these price adjustments are needed to achieve the financial stability sought by the organization's Delivering for America 10-year plan. USPS prices remain among the most affordable in the world."
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has appeared to suggest he is considering privatizing the agency, saying in April, "it's an idea that a lot of people have liked for a long time."
But Mark Dimondstein, the leader of the American Postal Workers Union (APSU), told CNN in March that the USPS must beware of "a White House intent on breaking up and selling off" the public agency. He added: "This attack on the USPS is part of the ongoing coup by oligarchs against the vital public services APWU members and other public servants provide to the country. Privatized postal services will lead to higher postage prices, and a lower quality of service to the public."
What Happens Next
USPS customers will notice that stamps are at least 5 cents more expensive this week. Regular service users are likely to be watching to see whether more USPS changes are planned, either politically or financially, in the future.
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