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Japan Post to raise international shipping rates

Mar 23 (NHK) - Japan Post is set to raise its rates for international shipping to some areas. The company cites soaring transportation costs amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The firm says an extra fee will go into effect on June 1 for packages weighing up to 30 kilograms. The surcharge will be over six dollars per kilogram for deliveries to the US, and about four dollars per kilogram for those to Europe, Oceania, and the Middle East.

Japan Post also says it is keeping a surcharge in place for its Express Mail shipping. The company started charging extra for the service on deliveries to some areas last June.

The firm says the pandemic has led to a reduction in the number of flights worldwide, which has pushed up transportation costs.

It also says it may be forced to implement additional surcharges if the war in Ukraine leads to further transportation disruptions.

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