China’s urban youth unemployment rate for those aged 16–24, excluding students, fell to 16.3% in April 2026 from a four-month high of 16.9% in March, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. This decline mirrored the broader jobless rate, which dropped to 5.2% from 5.4%. Meanwhile, unemployment among 25–29-year-olds, also excluding students, decreased to 7.4% from 7.7% in March, though it remains above the long-term average, indicating that early-career workers still face a competitive job market and slower integration into stable employment. The jobless rate for the 30–59 age group also edged down slightly, from 4.3% to 4.2%. source: National Bureau of Statistics of China

Youth Unemployment Rate in China decreased to 16.30 percent in April from 16.90 percent in March of 2026. Youth Unemployment Rate in China averaged 16.63 percent from 2021 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 21.30 percent in June of 2023 and a record low of 13.20 percent in June of 2024. This page includes a chart with historical data for China Youth Unemployment Rate. China Youth Unemployment Rate - values, historical data and charts - was last updated on May of 2026.

Youth Unemployment Rate in China decreased to 16.30 percent in April from 16.90 percent in March of 2026. Youth Unemployment Rate in China is expected to be 17.70 percent by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the China Youth Unemployment Rate is projected to trend around 16.00 percent in 2027, according to our econometric models.



Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Average Weekly Hours 48.00 48.10 Hours Apr 2026
Employed Persons 72504.00 73439.00 Tens of Thousands Dec 2025
Labour Costs 64.70 67.00 points Apr 2026
Minimum Wages 2740.00 2740.00 CNY/Month Jan 2026
Population 1405.00 1408.00 Million Dec 2025
Retirement Age Men 60.50 60.33 Years Dec 2026
Retirement Age Women 50.50 50.33 Years Dec 2026
Unemployment Rate 5.20 5.40 percent Apr 2026
Wages 129441.00 124110.00 CNY/Year Dec 2025
Wages in Manufacturing 113594.00 107987.00 CNY/Year Dec 2025
Youth Unemployment Rate 16.30 16.90 percent Apr 2026


China Youth Unemployment Rate
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
16.30 16.90 21.30 13.20 2021 - 2026 percent Monthly
SA

News Stream
China’s Youth Unemployment Eases in April
China’s urban youth unemployment rate for those aged 16–24, excluding students, fell to 16.3% in April 2026 from a four-month high of 16.9% in March, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. This decline mirrored the broader jobless rate, which dropped to 5.2% from 5.4%. Meanwhile, unemployment among 25–29-year-olds, also excluding students, decreased to 7.4% from 7.7% in March, though it remains above the long-term average, indicating that early-career workers still face a competitive job market and slower integration into stable employment. The jobless rate for the 30–59 age group also edged down slightly, from 4.3% to 4.2%.
2026-05-20
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.
2026-04-21
China Youth Jobless Rate Falls to 8-Month Low
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.
2026-03-20