China Taxes Condoms, Contraceptives to Boost Birth Rates

• China imposed a new 13% VAT on condoms and contraceptive drugs starting January 1.
• The measure removes a three-decade-old tax exemption, making these products more expensive.
• Beijing aims to boost its plummeting birth rates, as the population fell for the third consecutive year in 2024.
• Experts believe the tax is largely symbolic and unlikely to change behavior, but signals government's desired family norms.
• Other measures include childcare subsidies and promoting "love education" to encourage marriage and fertility.

Why It Matters: China taxes contraceptives to encourage births, but experts doubt its effectiveness and warn of negative impacts on women.