China is set to make condoms and contraceptives more expensive starting next month — a major shift creating debate around public health, affordability, and the country’s push to increase its birth rate. The new VAT Law removes these products from the tax-exempt list, ending a 33-year exemption first introduced during the One-child Policy era. With the change, condoms, contraceptive pills, and related sexual health items may now carry up to 13% tax, raising concerns across China. A condom currently costs as low as $0.60, but it remains unclear how brands and retailers will adjust their pricing.
Why the Contraceptive Tax Matters
Experts warn this move could limit access for young adults, especially students and low-income groups who rely on affordable condoms for STI and pregnancy prevention. During the strict population-control era, China made contraception cheap and accessible to slow population growth. Today, however, the government’s shift from “population control” to “fertility promotion” means contraceptives are no longer aligned with national goals. But with STIs among young Chinese rising in recent years, experts argue that raising costs now is risky for public health.
A Big Political Shift Behind the Policy
China has recorded three consecutive years of population decline, including a drop of 1.39 million people in 2024. To reverse this, Beijing launched new birth-support measures, such as an annual allowance of 3,600 yuan per child. Removing tax exemptions from condoms is seen as part of this demographic shift. State media has been promoting early marriage and encouraging women to have babies during university years — a narrative that raises concerns about long-term impacts on women’s education and career advancement. Analysts say these policies signal deeper political intentions, prioritizing family-building over individual freedom.
Impact on Women and Youth
Many experts believe this tax is a step backward for women. Social media reactions show frustration, with some users joking about bulk-buying condoms before prices rise and others expressing concern about being pressured into marriage or childbirth. Critics argue that this shift could frame women as reproductive resources, echoing past population policies. Higher condom prices may also result in increased STI transmission and unintended pregnancies, reversing years of public health progress.
What’s Next for Consumers?
It is still unclear how Chinese manufacturers and retailers will price contraceptive products once the tax is applied. What is clear is that this move reflects a larger demographic agenda — pushing fertility even as structural barriers remain. Issues like costly childcare, limited parental leave for fathers, and unequal access to pre-school education continue to discourage young families. Without addressing these challenges, experts say China’s declining population trend is unlikely to change.
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