China Taxes Condoms 13% Amid Demographic Crisis; Public Outcry & Expert Doubts

• China introduces a 13% Value-Added Tax (VAT) on condoms and other contraceptives starting 2026, ending a three-decade exemption.
• The move comes as China grapples with a severe demographic crisis, including a shrinking population and declining birth rates, despite government incentives for childbirth.
• Public reaction is largely negative, with social media ridicule and concerns that the tax won't encourage births but will harm low-income groups.
• Experts believe the tax is largely symbolic and will have minimal impact on reproductive decisions, as the cost of raising children remains prohibitively high.
• Concerns are raised about increased unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections due to reduced access to affordable contraception, disproportionately affecting women.

Why It Matters: China's new 13% tax on contraceptives sparks debate, unlikely to solve demographic crisis.