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China's Fertility Rate Plummets, Experts Doubt Tax Impact

1/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

China's fertility rate has fallen to 1.0 child per woman, prompting a 13% tax on contraceptives and child-care subsidies.
Experts say the measures will have little impact, as modernization and rising living costs prompt couples to delay or forgo children.
Similar measures in Singapore and South Korea have failed to reverse low fertility despite incentives.
China's past one-child policy and current social changes contribute to birth-rate decline.

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Story summary

China's fertility rate has fallen to 1.0 child per woman, prompting a 13% tax on contraceptives and child-care subsidies.
Experts say the measures will have little impact, as modernization and rising living costs prompt couples to delay or forgo children.
Similar measures in Singapore and South Korea have failed to reverse low fertility despite incentives.
China's past one-child policy and current social changes contribute to birth-rate decline.