China's New Tax on Condoms
Tuesday, 2026/01/20195 words3 minutes275 reads
China, once the world's most populous nation, is now grappling with a low fertility rate. In an effort to increase births, the government has implemented a 13% value-added tax on contraceptives, including condoms and birth control pills.
This move is part of a broader strategy to encourage families to have more children. Last year, China introduced a national child care program, offering financial incentives to parents with young children.
However, experts are skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures. The cost of raising a child in China remains significantly high, estimated at around 538,000 yuan (over $77,000) until age 18. The small increase in contraceptive prices is unlikely to outweigh this substantial expense.
Many countries facing similar demographic challenges have tried various pronatalist policies, but with limited success. Singapore and South Korea, for instance, have implemented extensive programs to boost birth rates, yet their fertility rates remain among the world's lowest.
China's situation is particularly complex due to its history of strict population control policies. While these past measures successfully reduced fertility rates, reversing this trend has proven challenging. Societal changes, including better educational and career opportunities for women, continue to influence family planning decisions.
