Birthrates Hit New Record Lows.

In mid-January 2026, official data revealed that China's population has fallen for the fourth consecutive year. The birthrate dropped by approximately 17% in 2025, reaching a new historic low despite government efforts to encourage larger families. In a surprising move, the government removed condoms from the list of VAT-exempt items (imposing a 13% tax), which many observers view as a desperate measure to increase pregnancy rates. The shrinking workforce and rapidly aging population continue to put immense pressure on China's pension and healthcare systems, prompting calls for more aggressive fiscal support for young parents.

©YovaniBernard