China Condom Market Size & Trends
The China condom market size was estimated at USD 3.69 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.0% from 2024 to 2030. The increasing health and safety concerns, growing consumer awareness about sexual health, availability of a variety of products, and supportive government initiatives are some of the factors driving the growth of the market.
According to a report by Scientific Research Publishing Inc., various initiatives are undertaken by the Chinese government for sex education among youth. For instance, the Article 40 of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Protection of Minors was implemented in June 2021, ordering provision of age-appropriate sex education for minors in schools and kindergartens.
According to UNFPA China, in 2022, China reported an increased abortion rate and increased need for contraception in the population that is still unmet. The government is undertaking initiatives to raise awareness and promote the use of contraceptives in the younger generation to control the spread of HIV and other STIs, unintended pregnancies, and to educate regarding sexual awareness and sexual harassment in the country
The prevalence of STDs in China is increasing with time creating an urge to control the spread of STDs and maintain sexual well-being in the Chinese population. According to Wisevoter, in 2023, China had approximately 17,000 cases of STDs per 100,000 inhabitants with a 0.04% HIV prevalence rate. This is expected to increase the demand for condoms in the market for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS. The increasing prevalence of STDs in China is attributed to factors such as a growing sex industry, increased sexual activity among young people, and a lack of comprehensive sex education. Additionally, the use of social media and online dating platforms has made it easier for individuals to engage in casual sexual encounters, potentially increasing the risk of contracting STDs.
According to the International Journal of Dermatology and Venereology, in 2019, 50,874 new cases of genital chlamydial infection were reported in China, with an incidence rate of 55.32 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, comprising about a 9.98% increase from 2018. To address the growing concern of STDs, the Chinese government has launched various campaigns and initiatives. These include free or subsidized STD screening programs, public awareness campaigns, and efforts to improve sex education in schools.
The government has also been working on strengthening the surveillance and reporting systems for STDs to better understand the epidemiology and trends in the country. Although the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in China has been relatively stable in recent years, the country still faces a significant burden due to the large number of people living with the virus.
Market Concentration & Characteristics
The market growth stage is high and the pace is accelerating. The China condom market is characterized by a moderate degree of innovation owing to the increasing research and development with economic product prices driving the market. The research on high-quality materials with capability to control birth and prevent transmission of STDs is driving the R&D activities in the market.
The threat of substitutes is expected to be moderate in the market. Substitutes for condoms include birth control pills, IUDs, and emergency contraceptive pills. While condoms are considered an effective contraceptive, majority of the adult population prefers long-term contraceptives. However, the threat of substitutes is reduced due to factors such as increasing prevalence of HIV infection.
Material Type Insights
The latex condoms segment held the largest revenue share of 87.7% in 2023. The launch of new products and rising demand from aging baby boomers are expected to boost the market for these condoms over the forecast period. Latex condoms are highly effective in prevention of transmission of STDs and birth control; hence, the majority of the brands available in the market are made with latex, a form of natural rubber. It is more durable, flexible, and provides effective contraception and protection, providing safe sex.
The non-latex condoms segment is estimated to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. This is attributed to some of the benefits of these condoms over latex condoms such as relatively lesser thickness, odorless, and non-allergic properties. Non-latex condoms evolved from the need for latex alternatives due to the number of allergy cases reported for latex condoms. However, non-latex condoms are more expensive than latex condoms and are less effective in preventing viral infections, such as STDs and HIV, compared to latex condoms, which may restrain the segment growth.
Distribution Channel Insights
The drug stores segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share in 2023. The growth is attributed to factors such as the easy availability and access to drug stores. However, the trend is moving towards e-commerce due to closed markets and restrictions on physical movement during the pandemic. E-commerce is expected to exhibit the fastest growth during the forecast period. Discrete delivery services and freedom to choose on e-commerce platforms are anticipated to fuel the segment growth.
Digitalization in recent times has resulted in improving access to the internet in urban and rural parts of the country, resulting in scope for significant growth for e-commerce platforms. Key players such as Church & Dwight and Sagami are focusing mostly on aggressive online marketing strategies to promote their condom brand, thus reflecting the importance and potential of e-commerce.
Product Insights
The male condom segment dominated the market with largest revenue share in 2023. The growth of this segment can be attributed to factors such as manufacturers' focus on the production of male condoms, open-mindedness regarding their use as compared to female condoms, and diverse portfolio. Further, the evolving sexual norms in rural China have led to a rapid increase in high-risk sexual behavior among young rural residents. To combat the spread of HIV/AIDS, prevention strategies must encompass comprehensive education aimed at encouraging a delayed initiation of sexual activity, promoting safer sexual practices, and advocating for consistent condom use among the youth.
The female condom segment is estimated to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. Female condoms are being increasingly accepted for reducing the risk of STIs and unplanned pregnancy. In January 2019, a female condom was given a genderless rebranding by the FDA and was assigned a generic name “single-use internal condom.” It was classified as an over-the-counter device. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a stringent prequalification procedure for female condoms that is expected to hinder the supply of female condoms in the market, simultaneously creating a huge scope for companies to enter this segment in the market.
Key China Condom Company Insights
Some of the key players operating in the market include Church & Dwight Co, Inc.; Okamoto; Sagami; Beilile; Elasun, Guangdong Nox Technology Co, Ltd., and Guangzhou Double One Latex Products Co, Ltd. among others
Church & Dwight Co., Inc. is the parent company of the well-known condom brand Trojan and is a major player in the sexual wellness sector.
DONLESS, is a Chinese condom brand that provides users with high-quality condoms made from natural latex, offering a variety of options to cater to different preferences and needs.
Guangdong Nox Technology Co., Ltd. is a Chinese company involved in the production of condoms and other products.
Guangzhou Double One Latex Products Co., Ltd. is a Chinese company specializing in the production of latex condoms.
Key China Condom Companies:
- Beilile
- Church & Dwight Co, Inc. (Trojan)
- Daxiang
- Donless
- Elasun
- Guangdong Nox Technology Co, Ltd.
- Guangzhou Double One Latex Products Co, Ltd.
- Guilin Latex Factory
- Momohanqing
- Okamoto
- Qingdao Double Butterfly Group Co, Ltd.
- Qingdao London Durex Co, Ltd.
- Regenex Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.
- Sagami
- Shanghai Mingbang Rubber Products Co, Ltd.
- Shenyang Tiandi Latex Co, Ltd.
- Shenzhen Wisdom Trade Co, Ltd.
- Shenzhen Zishi Technology Co, Ltd.
- Sixsex
- Wuhan Jissbon Sanitary Products Co, Ltd.
Recent Developments
- In June 2022, Winner Medical Co., Ltd. announced that it had acquired Guilin Latex (Guilin Zizhu Latex Products Co., Ltd.). With this transaction, Winner Medical aimed to expand its products into the medical latex industry.