KMB · 10-Q · 2026Q2 · Full report

China Diaper Social Media Disruption

KIMBERLY CLARK CORP · 2026-08-04 · Importance 40 · Surprise 42

During the second quarter of 2026, false allegations about the quality of certain diaper brands spread across social media in China. A government-certified third-party test confirmed the products’ quality and safety, but the disruption significantly reduced diaper sales in China. Kimberly-Clark expects the issue to continue affecting sales and profits in the near term and reported a 140-basis-point headwind to International Personal Care organic sales growth and a 440-basis-point impact on its operating profit increase.

Key facts

• Diaper quality false allegations in China emerged and were carried across social media channels during the second quarter of 2026, significantly impacting diaper sales in China in the second quarter of 2026 and expected to further impact sales and profits in the near term. source
• IPC organic sales growth for the three months included a 140 basis point headwind from the China social media disruption and was driven by volume plus mix gains of 1.2%, reflecting growth within diapers and pants. source
• Independent testing by a government-certified third party confirmed the quality and safety of our products, refuting the false allegations in China. source