Fri Jan 17 04:49:42 UTC 2025: ## China’s Population Decline Continues, Raising Economic Concerns
**Beijing, China** – China’s population has fallen for the third consecutive year, dropping by 1.39 million in 2024 to 1.408 billion, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This marks a continuation of a long-term trend, with deaths exceeding births for the third year running. While a slight rebound in births occurred in the first half of 2024, following the end of COVID-19 restrictions and boosted by the Year of the Dragon, the overall downward trend persists.
The NBS acknowledged significant economic challenges facing the country, citing insufficient domestic demand and difficulties for some businesses. Despite 5% GDP growth in 2024, meeting government targets, future economic growth is projected to slow.
Government efforts to incentivize higher birth rates, including financial subsidies and stricter regulations on divorce and abortion, have proven largely ineffective. The rising cost of living, a slowing economy, and high youth unemployment are deterring many young couples from having children. The legacy of the now-ended one-child policy, which created a gender imbalance, also contributes to the problem.
To mitigate the impact of the shrinking workforce, the government is gradually raising the retirement age. China’s demographic crisis mirrors similar challenges faced by other East Asian nations like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, all grappling with declining populations and restrictive immigration policies. The lack of access to fertility treatments for unmarried women further exacerbates the situation. The continued population decline poses a significant long-term challenge to China’s economic future.
First Piper 