US postal service can learn from overseas

As the postal sector changes around the world, America is lagging behind. That is a shame, because Americans have much to gain from a deregulated, competitive postal industry – including lower prices and better service.

In the European Union, reform of the postal sector is part of the Lisbon agenda, an effort to boost economic growth and competitiveness. Last week, the European Commission gave an important indication of how seriously it takes its target of full deregulation by 2009, although its recommendations met strong opposition from several EU members. A few countries in Europe moved early on postal reform, notably Sweden and Finland, opening mail delivery to competition more than a decade ago. Now other nations are working to meet the 2009 deadline.