As part of its drive to tackle its deficit the US Postal Service (USPS) is proposing charging Amazon 9-12% more for its shipping services.

US media reports suggest that there will be a 9.3% increase in charges for a 1lb or more shipment and a 12.3% increase on smaller packages.

President Trump signed an executive order in April calling for an investigation into how to improve the USPS, claiming that it was on an “on an unsustainable financial path and must be restructured to prevent a taxpayer-funded bailout.”

A USPS spokesperson said these proposed changes are not a response to Trump’s criticism.

“The price increases reflect the best judgment of the Postal Service Governors, who are seeking to establish new rates that will keep the Postal Service competitive, while also providing the Postal Service with much needed revenue,” the spokesperson said.

Earlier this week, USPS also proposed a 3.9 percent increase on priority mail express, a 5.9 percent increase on priority mail and a 10 percent increase on first-class stamps. This will have to go before its board of interim governors for approval.