Postal service privatization

Several countries have undergone or are in various stages of privatizing their national postal service:

• Deutsche Post

Privatized in 2000. As of early 2005, 20% of outstanding shares were owned by the German government. In the finance community, Deutsche Post is often cited as a privatization success story for investors, although for German citizens, it has resulted in rate increases. A first class stamp in Germany costs 67% more than a first class stamp in the United States. Also, Deutsche Post lags far behind in efficiency — its carriers deliver less than a fifth of the mail volume than their counterparts in the USPS.

• Japan Post

Currently majority-owned by the government, Japan Post was scheduled for complete privatization in 2007. Significant opposition to the Government's privatization plan exists. A first class stamp in Japan costs 100% more than a first class stamp in the United States.

• Royal Mail

A first class stamp in Great Britain costs 60% more than a first class stamp in the United States.

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