Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon known as the "condom paradox," where condom sales typically increase during economic downturns, but recent trends show a significant decline in sales, indicating a shift in consumer behavior and desires amidst economic pressures [3][4][12]. Group 1: Condom Market Trends - The condom industry is experiencing a comprehensive decline across the supply chain, with upstream rubber supply shrinking, midstream brand performance dropping, and downstream sales remaining sluggish, indicating a harsh industry winter [5][6]. - Karex Berhad, the world's largest condom manufacturer, saw a 40% drop in sales from 2020 to 2022, leading to a shift in production towards medical gloves [8]. - In China, the total sales revenue of condoms is projected to decrease from 187.86 billion yuan in 2023 to 156 billion yuan in 2024, marking a 17% decline [3][12]. Group 2: Brand Performance - Durex's sales in China plummeted from 3.72 million units in 2019 to 842,000 units in 2021, with its market share dropping to 29.3% by 2024 [9]. - Jissbon, another major brand, has also reported declining market share and sales since 2022, with over 78,000 condom-related companies shutting down between 2020 and 2024 [11]. - The overall condom market in China has contracted by 25% from 208 billion yuan in 2020 to 156 billion yuan in 2024, with an average annual decline of about 6% [11][12]. Group 3: Changing Consumer Behavior - The decline in condom sales is attributed to multiple factors, including reduced hotel occupancy rates and the rise of alternative contraceptive methods, such as subdermal implants and oral contraceptives, which have seen significant growth [12][13]. - The economic pressures have led to a decrease in young people's willingness to invest in intimate relationships, as they prioritize financial stability over romantic engagements [13][14]. - The shift in consumer preferences is evident as the demand for sexual wellness products has increased, with the adult products market in China projected to exceed 200 billion yuan by 2024, significantly outpacing the condom market [19][20]. Group 4: Rise of Adult Products - The adult products industry has seen a remarkable growth rate of 24% over the past five years, with a market size that is over 13 times larger than that of condoms [19]. - The user base for adult products is increasingly female, with 70% of late-night orders coming from women, indicating a shift in consumer demographics and preferences [24]. - The marketing focus for adult products has transitioned from pleasing partners to self-acceptance and personal enjoyment, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards individual sexual empowerment [30].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon known as the "condom paradox," which suggests that condom sales increase during economic downturns. However, recent trends show a significant decline in condom sales, contradicting this historical pattern, indicating a broader shift in consumer behavior and desires [4][5][14]. Group 1: Condom Market Decline - The condom industry is experiencing a comprehensive downturn, with upstream production, midstream brands, and downstream sales all shrinking. This indicates a significant industry-wide recession [6][10]. - Karex Berhad, the world's largest condom manufacturer, reported a 40% drop in sales from 2020 to 2022, leading to its first-ever loss since going public. The company had to pivot some production lines to medical gloves to cope with the crisis [9][12]. - In China, the total sales revenue of the condom market is projected to decline from 187.86 billion yuan in 2023 to 156 billion yuan in 2024, marking a 17% decrease [4][12]. Group 2: Changing Consumer Behavior - The decline in condom sales is attributed to a reduction in interpersonal interactions and a shift in sexual behavior, with many consumers opting for alternative contraceptive methods such as implants and oral pills, which have seen significant growth [13][14]. - The average hotel occupancy rate in China was only 58.8% in 2024, which has negatively impacted the demand for condoms typically used outside the home [12]. - The rise of single-person households, with over 297 million single individuals in China, reflects a cultural shift where many choose to prioritize personal fulfillment over traditional relationships [25][28]. Group 3: Growth of Adult Products - In contrast to the declining condom market, the adult products industry is booming, with the market size expected to exceed 200 billion yuan in 2024, making it over 13 times larger than the condom market [19][20]. - The adult products sector has seen a significant increase in consumer engagement, with a 90-day repurchase rate of 38% for adult products, indicating a strong shift in consumer preferences [21][22]. - The marketing focus for adult products has shifted from pleasing partners to self-acceptance and personal enjoyment, reflecting a broader societal change in attitudes towards sexuality [34][35].