China Increases Condom Tax and Reduces Childcare Costs to Raise Birth Rates

China has introduced a 13% tax on contraceptives, including condoms and birth control pills, in an effort to boost its declining birth rate, which has seen a decrease for three consecutive years. This change comes a decade after the abolition of the one-child policy as the government grapples with an ageing population and economic challenges. Critics argue that rising child-rearing costs are the real barrier to parenthood, and some believe the tax may be more about revenue generation than increasing birth rates. Concerns have also been raised about potential negative consequences, including risky behavior among financially strained individuals.

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