Sex Shops Now Outnumber Starbucks in China

Sex Shops Now Outnumber Starbucks in China

BEIJING — China produces 70 percent of the world's sex toys, despite strong regional taboos surrounding sexuality, and its sex shops now outnumber Starbucks.

The coffee giant has more than 1,500 stores in China, but that's small potatoes compared to the countless dispensers of condoms, vibrators and costumes. Taobao, the online retail giant operated by Alibaba Group in China, lists thousands of sex toy companies.

Best-selling merchandise include sexual arousal enhancers, like stimulus condoms, and vibrators. Given the country's one-child policy and preference for sons, there's about 116 boys born for every 100 girls. That lop-sided gender growth has led to approximately 33 million more men than women, causing intense sexual competition. Some turn to sex dolls for relief, in an increasingly popular online community where 20,000 members refer to themselves as "friends of dolls." 

Ever since the first sex shop opened in Beijing in 1993, the industry has expanded rapidly, as China's sexual culture evolved. In 2008, 180 exhibitors from eight countries came together for the 5th China International Adult Toys and Reproductive Health Exhibition, drawing more than 30,000 people. The biggest B2B expo, though, is still eroFame in Hanover, Germany.

The over $2 billion Chinese sex toy industry relies in large part on exporting, particularly to South Africa, South Korea and Russia. As for the U.S., it only accounts for a very small percentage of the Chinese export market, with an estimated 2 percent back in 2010. American sex toy companies sometimes prefer to keep their production within the States, like California-based Doc Johnson, which manufactures the majority of its products in North Hollywood. Its competitors include CalExotics and Pipedream Products.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

William Garland, Leigh Dedhar to Launch Doxy 2.0

U.K. pleasure brand Doxy's original founder, William Garland, has purchased the Doxy brand along with Leigh Dedhar and has announced the launch of Doxy 2.0.

Lovense 'Lush Mini' Spotlighted on Wired.com

Lovense’s Lush Mini has been spotlighted on Wired.com.

Autoblow Introduces AI Companions With Device Interface

Autoblow has debuted a new series of AI companions that can control the Autoblow Ultra stroker.

Motorbunny Expands 'Grip' Line With 'Fleshlight' Attachment

Motorbunny has added a new Fleshlight-compatible attachment to its Grip line of sex machine attachments.

Orion Unveils 3 New Styles From 'Noir Handmade' Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced three new styles from its Noir Handmade line.

A Look at the Growing Business of Artificial Companions Powered by AI, Advanced Materials

Step into any adult expo or consumer forum thread today and the evidence is unmistakable: the sex doll category is in the middle of a full-scale transformation.

Orion Debuts 'Masturbator 09' From 'WYNE' Collection

Orion Wholesale has introduced Masturbator 09 from its What You Never Expected (WYNE) line.

Hankey's Toys Introduces 'Big Pop Mushroom,' 'Xtra-Small Series IV' Dildos

Hankey's Toys has debuted its Big Pop Mushroom dildo and the new Xtra-Small Series IV line of dildos.

Brent Aldon, Erik Vasquez to Co-Host Retail Edition of 2026 XBIZ Honors at Avalon Hollywood

Aneros Director of Sales and Marketing Brent Aldon and Sliquid VP of Marketing Erik Vasquez will co-host the 2026 XBIZ Honors, set for Jan. 11 at Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles.

Kiiroo Introduces New Argenta Stroker

Kiiroo has debuted the new Feel Argenta stroker sleeve from its FeelStar line.

Show More