PostNord will cease letter delivery in Denmark by 2025

Denmark is facing a significant change in its postal service as PostNord, the country’s state-run agency which also services Sweden, revealed plans to cease letter delivery by the end of 2025. This decision comes in the context of a dramatic decrease in letter volume, attributed primarily to the rapid adoption of digital communications. Since the year 2000, letter volumes in Denmark have plummeted by 90%, and in 2024, there was a further drop of over 30% compared to the previous year. Such heavy declines have led PostNord executives, including Chief Executive Kim Pedersen, to conclude that the letter service is no longer viable or profitable. PostNord has been Denmark's postal service for 400 years, making the cessation of letter delivery a historic shift for the nation. To accommodate this change, PostNord plans to remove approximately 1,500 mailboxes throughout Denmark in the latter half of 2025. The agency has also stated that refunds will be available for unused stamps, illustrating their commitment to customer service even as they slough off their letter delivery wing. The workforce at PostNord is expected to shrink, with around 1,500 of its 4,600 employees facing layoffs as a direct result of this decision. This downsizing not only reflects the ongoing transformation of the postal landscape but also raises concerns about job security in the sector. Legislators and workers have expressed their discontent, with Parliament member Pelle Dragsted arguing that the end of letter delivery will disproportionately affect residents in rural areas. Importantly, while traditional letter delivery is ending, package distribution will continue unabated. PostNord is shifting its focus entirely towards parcel delivery as they aim to adapt their operations to align with current market demands. They have also mentioned that individuals in Denmark will still have options to send letters through private companies. Moreover, efforts are being made to ensure that postal infrastructure remains intact for remote areas, including smaller island communities, ensuring that the need for communication is still met. This intensification of focus on parcel delivery underscores the ongoing trend of digitalization that has led to a steep decline in letter usage, necessitating a re-evaluation of operational priorities for Denmark's postal agency.