2018: 12,937t → 2023: 25,518t
Children's diaper imports reversed for 4 years since 2020
"Active seniors spotlighted... Adult diaper market to grow"
With the entry into a super-aged society expected in 2025, the import volume of adult diapers doubled in the past five years. As the elderly population rapidly increases and 'active seniors' who enjoy outdoor activities and live youthful lives gain attention, the adult diaper market is expected to expand further.
Recently, "active seniors" who enjoy outdoor activities and live youthfully are gaining attention. [Image source=Pixabay]
According to the Food and Drug Safety Ministry's Imported Food Information Maru on the 15th, the import volume of adult diapers last year was 25,518 tons, an increase of 12,581 tons (97.25%) compared to 12,937 tons in 2018. This means the import volume doubled in five years. Compared to 22,909 tons imported in 2022, it increased by 2,609 tons (11.4%).
Adult diapers are imported in three types. The largest share is the straight type, with 13,410 tons imported last year. Next, tape type accounted for 8,559 tons, and panty type 3,549 tons.
The rapid increase in adult diaper imports is mainly attributed to the accelerated aging population. According to the '2023 Elderly Statistics' released by Statistics Korea, the domestic elderly population aged 65 and over was counted at 9,499,900. Compared to 7,381,000 in 2018, this is an increase of 2,118,900 (28.71%), which has sharply increased the demand for diapers.
Conversely, with the low birthrate trend continuing at a total fertility rate of 0.7, the import volume of children's diapers has remained in the low 20,000 tons range since recording 27,324 tons in 2019. As a result, since 2020, the import volume of adult diapers has surpassed that of children's diapers for four consecutive years.
Korea will enter a super-aged society in 2025, with the population aged 65 and over exceeding 20%. As the number of elderly increases and active seniors who enjoy outdoor activities grow, the adult diaper market is expected to expand further. Active seniors refer to elderly people who actively participate in social activities while enjoying consumption and leisure life even after retirement.
An industry official said, "As elderly people enjoying healthy old age become role models, perceptions of adult diapers are also changing positively," adding, "The perception is shifting from caregiving products for immobile elderly to everyday products for active seniors."
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