The U.S. Postal Service will increase postage rates this Sunday, July 12, raising the price of a First‑Class Mail Forever stamp by 4 cents to 82 cents, the agency said Friday.
Rate changes and why they matter
The July adjustment — which the Postal Service has filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission — will raise mailing prices about 4.8% overall, officials said. The move affects first‑class letters, metered mail, domestic postcards and certain international rates.
“In the midst of the severe financial crisis facing the Postal Service and continued 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,” the Postal Service said in a statement.
Postal officials emphasize the increases are part of efforts to stabilize finances after years of losses and rising costs. The Postal Service operates without regular taxpayer funding for operating expenses and relies on sales of postage, products and services.
What changes for customers
- A single‑ounce First‑Class Mail Forever stamp rises to 82¢ (from 78¢).
- Metered 1‑ounce letters increase to 78¢ (from 74¢).
- Domestic postcards go to 65¢ (from 61¢).
- International postcards and international 1‑ounce letters move to $1.75 (from $1.70).
| Item | Current | New (effective July 12) |
|---|---|---|
| First‑Class Forever stamp (1 oz) | 78¢ | 82¢ |
| Metered 1‑oz letter | 74¢ | 78¢ |
| Domestic postcard | 61¢ | 65¢ |
| Intl postcard / Intl 1‑oz | $1.70 | $1.75 |
Some rates remain unchanged: the additional‑ounce charge for single‑piece letters will stay at 29 cents. Businesses and high‑volume mailers that use commercial pricing should review new postage tables from the Postal Service for product‑specific adjustments.
Local impact and context
For New Mexico residents and small businesses that rely on mail for billing, marketing or shipping of low‑value items, even modest postage increases can add up over time. Nonprofits that send solicitation or membership mailers, county clerks and municipal offices that distribute notices, and rural customers who depend on postal deliveries may see incremental cost pressure.
Postal management says rate changes are one of several tools to address structural financial shortfalls. Lawmakers in Congress have debated broader reforms to postal financing, pricing flexibility and service standards, but significant legislative changes have not been finalized.
Customers can purchase stamps at post offices, online at usps.com and at many retailers. Businesses that buy postage in bulk or use permit imprint services should confirm updated pricing with their postage meters and vendors before mailing deadlines this weekend.
Reporting for News Block in New Mexico.
