In the postal services market, there is a decreasing number of letters

The reduced number of items of correspondence has impacted the overall number of postal services and led to changes in market shares, but not in revenues, which have been increasing.

ZAGREB, December 19, 2023 - Correspondence by mail has been under strong pressure from modern means of communication in recent years, resulting in a decreasing number of realized postal services. This decline has affected both the total number of postal services and the distribution of market shares, although it has not negatively impacted revenue, which has seen growth. The third quarter recorded a realization of 45.6 million lettering services, marking a 15.2% decrease compared to the same period in the previous year. While letters still maintain the highest market share at 76%, this represents a 4% reduction from the corresponding period last year. Parcels now hold the largest market share at 15.8%, with the remainder associated with printed matters. Interestingly, the decrease in the overall number of postal services did not impede revenue growth. Prices, particularly in the universal service segment, were raised, and there was an increase in the provision of value-added services, such as express items. The total revenue generated amounted to 76.3 million euros, reflecting a 9.3% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.

Notably, international postal traffic has exhibited growth throughout the year, with a 4% increase in services during the third quarter compared to the previous year. The share of international traffic in the overall market is also on the rise, currently accounting for just over eight percent of the total market.

During the third quarter of 2023, two new providers entered the postal services market, bringing the total number of providers to 24. The largest provider remains HP-Hrvatska pošta d.d., holding a share of 85.4% based on the number of services realized and 57.1% in terms of total revenues.

For more detailed data on the postal services market in the third quarter, you can refer to the website of the Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM) at the provided link.