## Key Takeaways
* **Shipping Rate Hikes:** Effective Jan 18, Priority Mail (+6.6%), Priority Mail Express (+5.1%), and Ground Advantage (+7.8%) see price increases.
* **Stamp Prices Frozen:** First-Class Mail stamps remain at 78 cents; prices likely steady until mid-2026.
* **New DDP Service:** New optional "Delivered Duties Paid" service available for Canada, Germany, and the UK.
WASHINGTON — The United States Postal Service implemented new shipping rates on Jan. 18, increasing prices for several competitive shipping services while maintaining current rates for standard letter mail.
## Shipping Rate Hikes
New prices took effect this week across the agency's competitive product line. The adjustments include a **6.6 percent increase for Priority Mail** and a **5.1 percent increase for Priority Mail Express**.
USPS Ground Advantage, the agency's consolidated package service, saw the largest jump with a **7.8 percent increase**.
Postal officials stated that these increases are part of scheduled pricing adjustments intended to align with market conditions.
## Stamp Prices Held
First-Class Mail stamps remain unchanged at **78 cents**. Check out our [2026 COLA Increase](/blog/cola-increase-2026) guide to see how this impacts your paycheck.
Postmaster General David Steiner indicated that prices for "Market Dominant" products will likely remain steady until mid-2026. This projection offers a significant period of price predictability for mailers.
## New International Options
The USPS also introduced "Delivered Duties Paid" (DDP), a new optional service for international mailers sending packages to **Canada, Germany, and the UK**.
The service allows senders to prepay duties and taxes at checkout. The goal is to avoid recipient surprises upon delivery and reduce customs delays, streamlining the international shipping experience.