US push will deliver speedier global postal reform

Subject

Reforms to the international postal market.

Significance

The US government announced last month that it plans to leave the Universal Postal Union (UPU) having failed to secure reforms to the international postal market.

Impacts

• Both the domestic and global postal sector will continue their slow decline, the parcel segment being the only exception.
• US brinkmanship in multiple international fora could backfire longer term as Washington alienates friends and foes alike.
• US efforts to contain China’s economic and technological rise will negatively affect multiple Asian exports of manufactured goods.
• Firms such as Amazon are most likely to be affected by changes in postal tariffs.