The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is increasing the price of a first-class Forever stamp to 82 cents, effective July 12. This marks a 4.8% increase from the current 78-cent price and represents the eighth price adjustment for Forever stamps in the past five years. The Postal Regulatory Commission approved the hike in May.
The agency has been grappling with financial challenges since 2007, with U.S. Postmaster General David Steiner stating in written testimony before a U.S. Senate committee that the organization is "out of cash" and has been borrowing from employee retirement funds to maintain operations. Steiner characterized the USPS business model as "broken" and called for congressional action.
USPS has reported net losses totaling approximately $120 billion since 2007. As part of a 10-year plan initiated in April to achieve financial stability, the agency has focused on its first-class mail services. Price adjustments for domestic and international letters and postcards are also part of this plan, aimed at keeping U.S. stamp prices among the most affordable globally.
Since 2021, the price of domestic letter stamps has increased seven times:
- August 29, 2021: 58 cents
- July 10, 2022: 60 cents
- January 22, 2023: 63 cents
- July 9, 2023: 66 cents
- January 21, 2024: 68 cents
- July 14, 2024: 73 cents
- July 13, 2025: 78 cents
The price of Forever stamps has doubled since their introduction in 2007, when they cost 41 cents. The stamps were designed to offer convenience by eliminating the need to purchase additional small stamps to cover price increases for a standard one-ounce letter.
The USPS stated that it does not receive tax dollars for its operating expenses and relies entirely on revenue from postage sales, products, and services. The agency maintains that its mailing rates remain competitive internationally. These price adjustments are deemed necessary to support the USPS's "Delivering for America" 10-year plan and ensure the organization's financial stability amidst evolving market conditions.