

8 Semipostal Stampsīy law, semipostal stamps are "issued and sold by the Postal Service, at a premium, in order to help provide funding for a cause." 9 Thus, a first-class definitive stamp may be purchased for 46 cents, but a first-class semipostal costs 55 cents. Though usable as postage, commemorative stamps often are held by collectors and sold privately at auctions and on the Internet. 7 Typically, each commemorative stamp has a limited production run and is sold for only one year. 6 For example, the USPS's 2012 commemorative stamps featured weathervanes, celebrated the centennial of New Mexico statehood, and honored the African American publisher John H. Commemorative StampsĮach year, the USPS issues first-class, forever stamps to commemorate or celebrate persons, anniversaries, and things. The customer would not need to purchase an additional 2 cents in postage. Thus, if a customer buys a forever stamp for 46 cents, and two years later the price of first-class stamps rises to 48 cents, the forever stamp could still be used to mail a letter. A forever stamp costs the same as a standard first-class definitive stamp however, it may be used forever as first-class postage on standard envelopes weighing one ounce or less. The USPS introduced the forever stamp in 2007. These stamps come in a wide range of denominations (e.g., 2 cents, $5.00) and carry a substantial range of images, including animals (e.g., birds) famous persons (e.g., Presidents George Washington and Andrew Jackson) esteemed household items (e.g., Tiffany lamp) and revered national objects (e.g., the Liberty Bell). flag stamp) is issued year after year, and the quantity produced is not capped. Definitive StampsĪ definitive stamp (e.g., U.S. Each of these types of stamps is described below. Various types of stamps exist, including definitive stamps, commemorative stamps, and semipostal stamps. 4 Some of the other forms of postage that look like stamps, such as "customized postage," may be produced by private firms with the approval of the USPS. 3 Stamps may be issued by the USPS alone. 2 Stamps are one type of postage indicia. In order to show that the postage has been prepaid on a letter or package to be delivered, various postage indicia have been created. Postal Service (USPS) deliver a letter or package. Postage is the price a customer pays to have the U.S. 1 What Is the Difference Between Postage and Stamps? The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform long has had a rule against considering legislation that proposes the issuance of new semipostal and commemorative stamps. The Senate usually has not had rules or policies regarding legislation to establish postage stamps.

This report provides brief answers to commonly asked questions and provides sources where Members and congressional staff may learn more about these topics. Ranking Postage Stamps ranks 880th in the Product Complexity Index (PCI).Constituents and interest groups often approach congressional offices with questions about postage and stamps. The countries with the lowest tariffs are Cote d'Ivoire (0%), Ghana (0%), Guinea (0%), Liberia (0%), and Mali (0%). The countries with the highest import tariffs for Postage Stamps are Algeria (27.9%), Mauritania (20%), and Sao Tome and Principe (20%). Tariffs In 2018 the average tariff for Postage Stamps was 5.06%, making it the 826th lowest tariff using the HS4 product classification. Imports In 2020 the top importers of Postage Stamps were Democratic Republic of the Congo ($1.19B), South Africa ($470M), Hong Kong ($285M), Malawi ($158M), and China ($149M). They include Documents of title (bonds etc), unused stamps etc.Įxports In 2020 the top exporters of Postage Stamps were United States ($1.25B), Switzerland ($561M), Malta ($267M), Cambodia ($262M), and Germany ($254M). Postage Stamps are a part of Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry manuscripts. Trade in Postage Stamps represent 0.023% of total world trade. Between 20 the exports of Postage Stamps decreased by -18.6%, from $4.7B to $3.83B. In 2020, Postage Stamps were the world's 555th most traded product, with a total trade of $3.83B.

Overview This page contains the latest trade data of Postage Stamps.
