State of the World from NPR Two Surprising Economic Stories from China
6 snips
Dec 5, 2025 Emily Fang, an NPR reporter covering China's social and economic trends, discusses the booming pet industry as young people opt for pets over children due to declining birthrates and urban pressures. She highlights the emotional bonds forming between pet owners and their furry companions. John Ruich, an NPR correspondent, shifts to Yimianpo, unveiling its role as the production hub for iconic Russian nesting dolls, revealing intricate crafting techniques and the economic significance of this tradition in the local community.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Pet Funerals Replace Practical Disposal
- Mo Yangyang runs a pet funeral service in Beijing and guides grieving owners through rites for their pets.
- She says owners treat pets like parents or children and now prefer dignified burials or cremations.
Pets Are A Massive Consumer Market
- Rising pet ownership in China is shifting consumer spending toward pet services and goods across cities of all tiers.
- iMedia estimates the Chinese pet industry is worth about $113 billion this year, driving targeted product launches.
Pets Grow As Birth Rates Fall
- Demographic shifts show fewer births and later marriages while many young Chinese fill emotional needs with pets.
- Goldman Sachs analysis suggests Chinese cities could already have more pets than human toddlers this year.