Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark Expand Diaper Business In Asia

Procter & Gamble and Kimberly-Clark are expanding their operations in Asia's diaper market. P&G opened a manufacturing plant in China, which is part of the company's $1 billion investment plan for the country. Kimberly-Clark, after leaving the European diaper market behind, decided to expand its diaper manufacturing operations in Nanjing, China. Compared with Europe, where fertility rates are below 1.5 percent, India has more than 100 million children in the age range of 0–4 years, while China has just slightly fewer than 100 million. Low market penetration of baby care products is a significant hurdle for P&G and Kimberly-Clark; however, improving economic conditions in the region means will likely raise demand in the future.