Regarding the upcoming U.S. Postal Service postage/shipping rate increases on January 27, the American people are largely being told the story of a one-penny increase in stamps.
Meanwhile, the first class international (commercial) rate for a 6 oz. package going to Canada is jumping 105%. It's jumping 66% for a similar package going to the UK. Similar high percentages apply to all other countries around the world.
Many U.S. sellers (including hobby and small business sellers) sell small, inexpensive items to buyers around the world. But these shipping rate increases are going to dramatically cut down on sales, thus harming the U.S. economy in general.
These rate increases need to be stopped or scaled back before international commerce is severely damaged