Core Points - The article discusses the end of the 30-year tax exemption on condoms and contraceptive products in China, effective January 1, 2025, due to the new VAT law, which aims to encourage childbirth amid declining birth rates [5][8][51]. - The expected price increase for consumers is limited, estimated at around 5% to 10%, which translates to a minor increase in monthly expenses for average households [6][51]. - The policy shift reflects a broader change in China's population management strategy, moving from birth control to promoting a "birth-friendly" environment [15][20][54]. Policy Changes - The new VAT law replaces the old regulations from 1993, which included tax exemptions for contraceptive products to support family planning [5][13]. - The tax rates are set at 13% for general taxpayers and 3% for small-scale taxpayers, indicating a move towards tax equity and resource allocation for child-rearing support [5][16]. - The government is also providing tax reductions for childcare and elderly care services, indicating a comprehensive approach to support families [16][17]. Market Dynamics - The contraceptive market in China is projected to exceed 22 billion yuan by 2025, suggesting a mature market that no longer requires tax incentives [5][9]. - Despite the tax exemption, the condom market has been shrinking, with a 25% decline since 2020, indicating changing consumer behaviors and attitudes towards sexual activity among younger generations [9][10]. Societal Implications - The article highlights a trend of declining sexual activity among young people, attributed to economic pressures and shifting priorities, which may further impact birth rates [10][11][40]. - The notion of a "low-desire society" is discussed, where financial anxieties overshadow personal relationships and family planning decisions [11][41]. - The article argues that the real barriers to childbirth are rooted in financial insecurity and the perception of child-rearing as a significant financial burden, rather than the cost of contraceptives [26][34][52]. Economic Context - The discussion includes the impact of real estate market fluctuations on family financial stability, emphasizing that housing costs and mortgage pressures contribute to the reluctance to have children [30][31][44]. - The article suggests that the government's focus should shift from merely adjusting tax policies to addressing the underlying economic conditions that affect family planning decisions [54][55].

Group 1 - The article discusses the decline in sexual activity and related product sales among younger generations, highlighting a significant drop in condom sales from 187.86 billion yuan in 2023 to 156 billion yuan in 2024, a decrease of 17% [8][12] - The largest condom manufacturer, "Kang Le," reported a 40% drop in sales over two years, leading them to pivot to manufacturing rubber gloves [15][13] - Durex's sales in China fell sharply, with online sales dropping from 3.722 million units in 2019 to 842,000 units in 2021, and its market share in China reduced to 29.3% by 2024 [16][18] Group 2 - The article attributes the decline in sexual activity to high costs associated with dating, including financial, time, and emotional investments, making casual relationships less appealing [26][30] - The average hotel occupancy rate in China was only 58.8% in 2024, contributing to decreased condom sales, as nearly half of condom usage occurs outside the home [29] - The article draws parallels with Japan's "low desire society," where similar trends have been observed, indicating a broader cultural shift [24][26] Group 3 - Despite the decline in traditional sexual products, there is a rise in alternative forms of companionship and self-fulfillment, such as pet ownership and hobbies, with the pet market expected to grow significantly [44][42] - The Chinese market for sexual wellness products is projected to exceed 200 billion yuan in 2024, significantly outpacing the condom market, indicating a shift in consumer preferences [48][50] - The article suggests that the demand for intimacy and connection is evolving, leading to new business opportunities in various sectors, including emotional support services and single-person living arrangements [41][51]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a significant decline in consumer spending and entertainment activities in China, particularly related to romantic and sexual engagements, leading to a broader economic impact on various industries [4][15][41]. Group 1: Consumer Behavior Changes - There has been a notable drop in consumer activities during the 520 holiday, with reduced sales in flower shops, hotel bookings, and cinema attendance [4][13]. - The traditional consumer segments, particularly women, children, and the elderly, are showing signs of decreased spending, with women experiencing a significant downturn [6][15]. - Entertainment options such as KTV, nightclubs, and cinemas have seen drastic declines, with KTV attendance dropping by 87% [15][16]. Group 2: Shifts in Entertainment Preferences - New entertainment preferences have emerged, with activities like park visits and city walks increasing by 226% and 218% respectively, while traditional forms like dining out and movie-going have plummeted [16]. - The data indicates a shift in leisure activities, with a significant increase in solitary or low-cost activities, suggesting a change in consumer values and social interactions [16][40]. Group 3: Economic Implications - The decline in sexual and romantic engagement is linked to broader economic issues, with companies producing sexual health products like Viagra and condoms facing significant sales drops [17][19][41]. - The overall low desire and low consumption rates are expected to lead to a broader economic downturn, affecting various industries beyond just those directly related to sexual health [41][49].