Deutsche Post postage rates could rise by 20% in 2027

The Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) has released a draft plan allowing Deutsche Post to significantly increase postage rates starting January 2027. The proposed average increase for letters and postcards is 20.35 percent, which could see the price of a standard letter rise above the one-euro mark for the first time, potentially reaching approximately 1.14 euros.

Private parcel rates could also see an average increase of up to 10.72 percent. The agency noted that the primary driver for these costs is the continuous decline in letter volumes due to increasing digitalization. As more communication shifts to digital channels, the remaining physical mail must cover a larger share of infrastructure and service costs.

Deutsche Post will ultimately decide how to distribute this permitted price margin across different product categories and weights. The final decision is expected in November following a comment period that includes input from competitors and consumer protection organizations. The new rates are intended to remain in effect through December 2028.