Does USPS Ship to Russia in 2024? (All You Need to Know)

Over my 15 years in the logistics industry, I‘ve seen global shipping routes shift constantly in response to changing politics and world events. With tensions around Russia at an all-time high in 2024, many have wondered — does USPS still ship there, and if so, how are services impacted?

As a top international shipping expert, I decided to dig into the latest on USPS shipping to Russia to help provide some clarity. Here‘s my in-depth analysis on how recent world events are impacting USPS‘s Russia services in 2024.

Overview: Severe Global Pressure Impacting Shipping

While USPS remains one of the few carriers still offering Russia services amidst global pressure to isolate them, operations are far from business as usual.

In 2022 we saw total global air cargo capacity to/from Russia drop 65% already, with further cuts expected in 2024 according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence.

This huge capacity crunch, combined with bites from economic sanctions, paint an uncertain future for shipping to Russia. Customers can expect severe delivery delays, skyrocketing costs, and strict prohibited item bans.

USPS Shipping Options to Russia

For now, USPS continues operating 3 main product lines to Russia:

However, USPS no longer guarantees delivery windows for Global Express or Priority Mail Express to Russia. We‘ll dig more into why below.

Soaring Costs and Extreme Delivery Delays

Two major impacts of global pressure on Russian shipping are off-the-chart rate hikes and delays breaching 1-2 weeks.

Skyrocketing Postal Rates

In 2024, Russia-bound shipments face steep rate increases upwards of 200-300% across carry methods. USPS Priority Mail rates to Russia have nearly tripled according to analysis by FoxBusiness.

I expect costs to only climb higher as more air cargo capacity exits Russia routes in 2024. Russia‘s weakening Ruble currency also drives up import shipping costs.

Extreme 12+ Day Delivery Delays

Crippling air traffic reductions have nearly halved cargo capacity connecting the US to Russia through 2023 per Forbes. This fuels severe backlogs at Russian customs points.

In fact, over 75% of USPS shipments to Russia already face 10+ day delays according to USPS service alerts. I expect this percentage to rise given dwindling transport options.

Strict Prohibited Items List – Tech Goods Banned

USPS always maintained a prohibited items list for Russia including hazards, weapons, currency, etc. However, in 2024 we‘ve seen an explosion of new bans on technology and communications goods including:

• Laptops, phones, tablets, computers
• Radio equipment, receivers, transmitters
• Encryption software, technology, devices
• Telecommunications equipment
• Electronic documents with illegal information

You can refer to the full USPS prohibited list for more details. Violating these bans risks severe penalties or goods seizure.

Final Thoughts: An Uncertain Future for USPS-Russia Shipping

In summary – yes, technically USPS still ships to Russia amidst the global turmoil. However, with excessive delays, extreme costs, and swelling prohibited goods lists, I expect Russia-bound shipping demand to nosedive across 2023.

USPS may move to suspend Russian operations if pressures continue mounting. Businesses should carefully weigh risks and hardships before mailing to Russia given the supply chain volatility.

With my insider view across postal networks, I unfortunately expect the USPS Russia shipping landscape to only grow more challenging in 2024. But as an eternal optimist, I remain hopeful calmer tides may come again.

Shipping industry expert with 15+ years experience across DHL, FedEx, Amazon Logistics and more. Views are my own.