WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Postal Service has proposed a new round of price increases that would raise the cost of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp to 82 cents beginning July 12.
The proposed 4-cent increase, from the current 78 cents, is part of a broader adjustment that would raise mailing service prices by approximately 4.8%, according to a filing submitted to the Postal Regulatory Commission.
If approved, the changes would also increase the cost of metered one-ounce letters from 74 cents to 78 cents, domestic postcards from 61 cents to 65 cents, and international postcards and one-ounce international letters from $1.70 to $1.75.
The additional-ounce price for single-piece letters would remain unchanged at 29 cents.
Postal officials said the proposed increases are driven by ongoing financial challenges and rising operational costs.
The Postal Service “is using all available tools, including available regulatory pricing authority, to ensure we can continue to fulfill our universal service obligation and serve the American public,” according to the filing.
The agency noted it generally does not receive tax dollars for operating expenses and instead relies on the sale of postage and services to fund operations.
The Postal Regulatory Commission will review the proposed changes before making a decision. If approved, the new prices would take effect July 12.
