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China's Birth Rate Hits Record Low as Population Decline Deepens in 2025

China's birth rate dropped to a historic low in 2025, leading to a fourth consecutive year of population decline. The country's total population shrank by 3.39 million, with deaths far outnumbering births. Despite this demographic challenge, the Chinese economy met its 5% growth target for the year, supported by a surge in exports. However, growth momentum slowed in the final quarter, indicating potential economic headwinds ahead.

Key Points: China's Record Low Birth Rate, Population Decline Continues

  • Birth rate fell to record low of 5.63 per 1,000
  • Population declined by 3.39 million in 2025
  • Economy grew 5% but Q4 momentum slowed
  • Record trade surplus of $1.2 trillion achieved
2 min read

China records lowest birth rate in 2025 as population falls for fourth year: Report

China's population fell for the 4th year as birth rate hit a new low in 2025, posing a long-term economic challenge despite meeting growth targets.

"The figures suggest that a slight rise in births seen in 2024 was an exception rather than a sign of recovery. - CNN report"

Beijing, January 19

China recorded its lowest birth rate on record in 2025 as its population declined for the fourth consecutive year, deepening a demographic challenge that could weigh on the world's second-largest economy for decades, CNN reported.

The CNN report citing data released by China's National Bureau of Statistics on Monday stated the birth rate fell to 5.63 births per 1,000 people in 2025, lower than the previous record low of 6.39 births per 1,000 recorded in 2023.

The figures suggest that a slight rise in births seen in 2024 was an exception rather than a sign of recovery, as the country's birth rate has continued to fall steadily since 2016.

The data also showed that China's total population shrank again last year. With 7.92 million babies born in 2025 and 11.31 million deaths recorded, the country's population declined by 3.39 million.

China remained second to India in terms of population for the second consecutive year after India dislodged China and adorned the crown of the world's most populous country in 2023.

Despite the demographic decline, Chinese officials said the economy met its growth target for the year. China's economy grew by 5 per cent in 2025, in line with the government's annual goal of "around 5%," CNN reported.

The overall growth was supported mainly by a surge in exports, which helped offset weak domestic consumption and ongoing trade tensions with the United States.

China recorded a record trade surplus of $1.2 trillion last year, despite US President Donald Trump's on-again, off-again trade war with the world's second-largest economy.

However, the data also pointed to signs of slowing momentum toward the end of the year. In the fourth quarter of 2025, China's economy grew by 4.5 per cent compared to the same period a year earlier. This marked the slowest quarterly growth since the end of 2022, CNN report. added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Interesting data. It shows that economic growth and population growth aren't always linked. China is still growing at 5% despite the shrinking population. But long term, who will be the consumers and workers? India needs to watch this closely and invest heavily in education and healthcare to make the most of our larger, younger population.
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Arjun K
Being the most populous nation is not a trophy to celebrate blindly. Yes, we have the numbers, but China's per capita income is still much higher. We need to focus on quality of life, not just population size. Their challenge is a warning for all developing economies about urban stress and cost of living.
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Sarah B
From a global perspective, this is concerning. A shrinking, aging population in the world's factory could lead to higher prices everywhere. Their reliance on exports to keep growing is also risky with all the trade tensions. India has a real opportunity to attract manufacturing if we get our infrastructure and policies right.
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Vikram M
The report mentions the slight rise in 2024 was an exception. It seems even after relaxing policies, young people in China don't want more children due to high costs and pressure. Sounds familiar? 🏙️ We see similar trends in our metros. The government should think about support for young families, not just population control.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, I think some comments are missing a key point. A $1.2 trillion trade surplus is massive, even with a shrinking population. Their economic model is powerful. We should learn from their export success while avoiding their demographic mistakes. Our focus should be on creating high-value jobs for our billion-plus people.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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