China Youth Jobless Rate Rises to 4-Month High

China’s urban youth unemployment rate for those aged 16–24, excluding students, rose to 16.9% in March 2026 from 16.1% in the previous month, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The increase marked the highest level since November 2025, reversing a downward trend seen since September, as a fresh wave of graduates and subdued hiring demand put pressure on entry-level job opportunities. Meanwhile, unemployment among those aged 25–29, also excluding students, climbed to 7.7% from 7.2% in February, suggesting that early-career workers continue to face a competitive job market and slower absorption into stable roles. The jobless rate for the 30–59 age group edged up to 4.3% from 4.2%, pointing to softer labor demand more broadly. Earlier data also showed China’s surveyed unemployment rate rose to a 13-month high of 5.4% in March, highlighting persistent strains in the labor market despite ongoing policy support.

China’s urban youth unemployment rate for 16- to 24-year-olds, excluding students, edged down to 16.1% in February 2026 from 16.3% in the previous month, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. While this marked the lowest level since June last year, the rate remained elevated, underscoring persistent economic pressures and a still-challenging job market, after hitting a record 21.3% in June 2023. Meanwhile, unemployment among those aged 25–29, also excluding students, rose to 7.2% from 6.8% in January. The jobless rate for the 30–59 age group increased to 4.2% from 4.0%. Earlier data also showed China’s surveyed unemployment rate ticked up to 5.3% in February from 5.2% in January, the highest level in six months.

China’s urban youth unemployment rate for 16- to 24-year-olds, excluding students, fell to 16.5% in December 2025 from 16.9% in the previous month, marking the lowest level since June, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics released on Thursday. The improvement suggests tentative stabilization in the labor market amid a gradual economic recovery, supported by stronger services activity and targeted policy measures to support hiring. Meanwhile, unemployment among the 25–29-year-old segment, also excluding college students, dropped to 6.9% from 7.2%, while those in the 30–59 age group saw joblessness edge up to 3.9% from 3.8% in November. Separately, figures released earlier showed the country’s surveyed unemployment rate stood at 5.1% in December, unchanged for a second consecutive month and remaining at its lowest level in four months. For the full year of 2025, the urban unemployment rate averaged 5.2%.