The United States Postal Service (USPS) is increasing stamp prices from .63 cents to .66 cents and is set to take effect Sunday, July 9th, 2023.
According to USPS, “operating expenses fueled by inflation” and the impacts of “a previously defective pricing model” — noting that changes to mail service costs “are needed to provide the Postal Service with much-needed revenue.”
Sunday is the fifth price increase on the Forever stamp since 2019.
In addition, USPS is providing a new packaging service called USPS Ground Advantage.
Here are some of the other price changes to expect:
ProductCurrent PriceNew PriceLetters (1 oz).63 cents.66 centsDomestic Postcards.48 cents.51 centsInternational Postcards$1.45$1.50International Letter(1oz)$1.45$1.50
Overall, a 4.8% increase is nothing compared to the inflation affecting grocery food prices. On average, groceries are up about 8.5% since this time last year.
Many people are planning to stock up on Forever stamps before the price hick hits Sunday.