USPS Resumes International Mail Service to Canada Amid Strike Resolution
Washington, DC, January 8, 2026 – The United States Postal Service (USPS) has resumed international mail acceptance and processing to Canada following the resolution of the Canada Post strike. The strike, which began in late 2024 and evolved into rotating strikes in October 2025, led to temporary suspensions of certain services, but tentative agreements reached on January 2, 2026, have paved the way for normal operations.
Impact of the Canada Post Strike on USPS Services
The Canada Post strike, involving 55,000 workers from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), disrupted mail and package deliveries across Canada. USPS suspended international mail service to Canada effective November 29, 2025, due to inadequate transportation options caused by the strike. This affected services such as Priority Mail Express International and Priority Mail International, with deliveries experiencing significant delays. USPS continued to pick up and transport mail to Canada but could not guarantee timely delivery during the strike period.
Key Facts on Strike Resolution and Service Restoration
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Strike Start and Evolution | Began November 15, 2024; transitioned to rotating strikes October 14, 2025. |
| USPS Suspension Date | Effective November 29, 2025, for international mail to Canada. |
| Tentative Agreement | Reached January 2, 2026; strike/lockout activity suspended pending union member vote. |
| Current Status | USPS has resumed mail acceptance; normal delivery times expected to resume soon. |
| Affected Services | Priority Mail Express International (3-5 business days), Priority Mail International (6-10 business days), and others. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Canada Post strike end?
The strike officially ended with a tentative agreement on January 2, 2026, between Canada Post and CUPW, suspending all strike and lockout activities while union members vote on the deal.
How has the strike affected USPS shipping to Canada?
USPS suspended international mail service to Canada from November 29, 2025, leading to delays in deliveries. With the strike resolved, services are resuming, though some backlog may persist.
What are the typical USPS delivery times to Canada now?
Priority Mail Express International typically takes 3-5 business days, while Priority Mail International takes 6-10 business days, depending on the destination and other factors.