economy
January 19, 2026
China birthrate shrinks to lowest on record as policies fail to to lift births
China's birthrate fell to a record low last year, underscoring a deepening demographic crisis as Beijing struggled to reverse a shrinking and aging population.
TL;DR
- China's birthrate fell to a record low of 5.6 per 1,000 people in 2025.
- Approximately 7.9 million babies were born last year, down from 9.5 million.
- The population has declined for the fourth consecutive year, falling by 3.4 million to 1.405 billion.
- The elderly population (60 and above) increased to 23% in 2025 from 22% in 2024.
- Government incentives, including cash rewards and extended maternity leave, have not reversed the declining trend.
- Economic pressures and workplace competition are contributing to young people delaying marriage and childbearing.
- A shrinking workforce and aging population present major economic risks, including strain on the pension system and a smaller consumer base.
- China's fertility rate was 1 birth per woman in 2023, below the global average of 2.2.
Continue reading the original article