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China's Birth Crisis Deepens Amid New Condom Tax

12/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

China's total fertility rate is around 1.0, and deaths have outnumbered births for three consecutive years.
Despite policies encouraging larger families, implementation is inconsistent between wealthier and poorer regions.
A new law imposes a 13% VAT on condoms, reversing decades of tax exemptions.
Experts warn this will not curb demographic pressures without broader economic reforms.

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Story summary

China's total fertility rate is around 1.0, and deaths have outnumbered births for three consecutive years.
Despite policies encouraging larger families, implementation is inconsistent between wealthier and poorer regions.
A new law imposes a 13% VAT on condoms, reversing decades of tax exemptions.
Experts warn this will not curb demographic pressures without broader economic reforms.