China reduces international postal charges

According to the State Post Bureau (China Post), the special service fees of international mails, post cards, presswork and domestic registered mails have been calculated in terms of the new charging methods since January 1, 2004. The new charging standards say that the overall fees of the international mails reduced by about 5%-8% on average. China Post launched the SAL (Surface Air Lifted) services to over 60 countries such as the US, Canada, Japan and South Korea. The service is between the airmail and waterway mail in terms of speed and postal charges, and it is a new choice for the customers. Besides, the airmail and SAL mail will be no longer charged additional fees, which will be included in the new postal charges. The postal charges on mails sent to Asian countries and regionssuch as Japan and South Korea see a big cut as high as a reduction of 30%. Except the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the charges on mails to America, Africa and Oceania rise slightly, by 10% at most. The charges on mails to Europe remain unchanged.