Denmark becomes first nation in the world to end state-run letter delivery service

Sending and receiving a letter is a factor of the previous in a single nation.

PostNord, Denmark’s state-run postal service, formally ended all letter deliveries at first of the brand new 12 months, citing a greater than 90% drop in volumes between 2000 and 2024.

The Scandinavian nation is believed to be the one nation on this planet to droop its letter deliveries, though parcel distribution continues.

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“Whereas this can be a troublesome determination, it is a vital step in the direction of a powerful PostNord for the long run, in order that we are able to proceed our journey to change into the Danes’ favourite parcel courier – and that may assist guarantee even higher merchandise within the parcel market,” PostNord mentioned in a message on its web site.

PostNord mentioned it can shift its focus to parcel supply and that stamps bought in 2024 or 2025 could be refunded in 2026 for a restricted time.

The Danish state postal service has stopped mail supply beginning this 12 months. (iStock)

“We’ve got been the postal service of the Danes for 400 years and due to this fact it’s a troublesome determination to bow out of that a part of our story,” Kim Pedersen, CEO of PostNord Denmark, mentioned in a press launch asserting the corporate’s plans.

He added that the “marketplace for letters is not worthwhile.”

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In keeping with Marlene Rishoj Cordes of Aeldre Sagen (DaneAge), the choice will in all probability have probably the most penalties for older residents.

Though PostNord mentioned the “overwhelming majority” of Danes use the digital postal service, many older residents are “very dependent” on common letter supply, Cordes informed Danish TV2.

Older residents are most affected by the top of letter supply. (iStock)

“This consists of hospital appointments, vaccinations or choices concerning dwelling care,” she mentioned.

PostNord mentioned it began eradicating its 1,500 mailboxes throughout the nation this summer season.

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“Take a superb have a look at the photograph right here. Quickly it is going to be a rarity,” a Danish lady wrote on X final 12 months, subsequent to a photograph of one of many now-defunct mailboxes.

PostNord eliminated the 1,500 mailboxes unfold throughout Denmark. (Kristian Tuxen Ladegaard Berg/NurPhoto through Getty Pictures)

“Now in 5 years I can clarify to a five-year-old what a mailbox was once.”

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Letters in Denmark can nonetheless be despatched through personal couriers.

PostNord, which is 40% Danish-owned, can also be lively in Sweden, based on the BBC.

PostNord focuses on parcel supply in Denmark for 2026 and past. (Philip Davali/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP through Getty Pictures)

Swedish letter supply was not affected.

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Denmark would be the first nation to cease state letter supply, but it surely in all probability will not be the final.

Postal providers in different nations are additionally struggling, together with the USA and Canada, based on The Economist.

Marvin Ryder, an affiliate professor on the DeGroote Faculty of Enterprise at McMaster College in Canada, mentioned he thinks an finish to letter supply is inevitable.

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“I feel Denmark is a canary within the coal mine,” he informed the Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC).

“I simply suppose this can be a future in Canada at the very least 10 years from now.”