Goldman Sachs predicts that by 2030, China's pet population will almost double that of young children due to declining birth rates and increasing preference for pets over starting families.
Key Points
China's urban pet population set to exceed 70 million by 2030
Birth rates in China projected to fall at an average rate of 4.2% until 2030
Young Chinese adults increasingly opting for pets over having children
China's pet food market expected to reach $12 billion by 2030
Pros
Growing pet ownership can boost the pet industry and economy
Less pressure on resources as population growth slows
Cons
Potential decline in traditional family structures
Impact on workforce and aging population in the future