China Taxes Condoms to Boost Births Amid Falling Rates

• China will impose a 13% VAT on condoms and contraceptives from January 1, reversing a 1993 exemption, to combat its falling birthrate.
• Experts believe the tax is largely symbolic and unlikely to significantly alter birth choices due to the low cost of contraceptives.
• Sociologist Yun Zhou warns the tax signals government's desired family behavior and could disproportionately affect disadvantaged women.
• High childcare and education costs, job market uncertainty, and gender discrimination are cited as primary reasons for low birth rates.
• Other measures include a 90 billion yuan childcare subsidy and local officials tracking women's menstrual cycles and birth plans.

Why It Matters: China uses tax on condoms and other measures to desperately boost its declining birthrate.