Online shopping drives package deliveries up by 19%

Online shopping continues to reshape the postal sector, as new figures show a sharp increase in parcel deliveries, particularly from overseas sellers.

According to recent data by the Malta Communications Authority, inbound parcel volumes rose by nearly 19 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period last year. This surge is largely driven by cross-border sellers, as more consumers turn to international platforms for their purchases.

The broader mail sector, however, is experiencing a contrasting trend, with total mail volumes dropping from 6.9 million in Q1 2024 to 6.1 million in Q1 2025, highlighting an ongoing decline in traditional letter mail.

This reduction is most pronounced in services covered under the universal service obligation, which includes single-piece letters, bulk mail, registered items and parcels.

Mail services outside the universal service, such as lighter parcel deliveries linked to e-commerce, saw growth of 15.6 per cent. This shift reflects how consumer habits are evolving in the digital age, favouring faster, more flexible shipping options over conventional postal methods.