Why China's shrinking population is a problem for everyone

China's population decline, which will soon make India the most populous nation, will have significant effects on its economy and global brands, according to economists. An ageing and shrinking labour force will have both a short- and long-term negative impact. A decline in China's housing sector will see a decline in spending by Chinese consumers, which in turn may lead to further difficulties for global brands, as China accounts for a significant proportion of sales.