Hongkong Post announced on Monday that its principal postage rates will be adjusted effective April 13, with increases of no more than HK$0.20 for over 90 percent of local and surface mail, and no more than HK$0.50 for 90 percent of airmail.
According to a government press release, the postage for local letters weighing 30 grams or less will increase from HK$2.20 to HK$2.40.
For letters sent by airmail weighing 20 grams or less, the rate to the mainland and Taiwan will be adjusted from HK$3.70 to HK$3.90, while rates to other destinations will change from a range of HK$4.00–HK$5.50 to HK$4.20–HK$5.80.
The cost for surface mail letters of 20 grams or less to the mainland, Macau, and Taiwan will rise from HK$2.80 to HK$3.00. For all other international destinations, the postage will be adjusted from a range of HK$3.50–HK$5.30 to HK$3.70–HK$5.60.
A spokesperson for Hongkong Post stated that the expected impact on both the general public and the commercial sectors is considered to be “very mild”.
The spokesperson explained that the postal service must periodically adjust postage rates to offset escalating operating costs, particularly the rising expense of conveyance and terminal dues payments.
Hongkong Post added that the current adjustments are broadly in line with cumulative inflation since the last rate change in September 2022.
"The development of information technology and electronic communication is replacing traditional correspondence, while market competition from commercial delivery services is severe," the spokesperson said. "These pose great challenges to Hongkong Post's business."
In response, the operator will continue to pursue transformation by developing its e-commerce business to generate new revenue and carefully managing costs, with the goal of providing affordable and high-quality universal postal services.
