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China Ends Contraceptive Tax Exemption to Boost Birth Rate

1/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

China will impose a 13% value-added tax on contraceptives starting January 1, 2026, ending a tax exemption that began in 1993.
The policy aims to address China's declining birth rate and aging population.
In 2024, China recorded 9.54 million births, up from 2023, while the birth rate was 6.77 per 1,000.
The total population has declined for three years, and India now leads as the world's most populous country.

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Story summary

China will impose a 13% value-added tax on contraceptives starting January 1, 2026, ending a tax exemption that began in 1993.
The policy aims to address China's declining birth rate and aging population.
In 2024, China recorded 9.54 million births, up from 2023, while the birth rate was 6.77 per 1,000.
The total population has declined for three years, and India now leads as the world's most populous country.