Unemployment Rate in China increased to 5.40 percent in February from 5.20 percent in January of 2025. This dataset provides - China Unemployment Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

In 2023, the employment rate in China decreased to around 63.09 percent, from 63.57 percent in the previous year. China is the world’s most populous country and its rapid economic development over the past decades has profited greatly from its large labor market. While the overall working conditions for the Chinese people are improving, the actual size of the working-age population in China has been shrinking steadily in recent years. This is mainly due to a low birth rate in the country.

Economic slowdown – impact on labor market

After decades of rapid development, the world’s second largest economy now seems to have difficulties to boost its economy further. The GDP growth rate indicated a declining trend over the last decade and the number of employed people decreased for the first time since decades in 2015. Under the influence of the global economic downturn, the coronavirus pandemic, and the US-China tensions, many Chinese enterprises are having tough times, which leads to a recession in China’s labor market.

Chances for better employment situation

The long-lasting Sino-U.S. trade war has caused China great loss on its international trade sector, which has been driving China’s economic growth for decades. However, there is also a lot China could improve. First, the potential of domestic demands could be further developed and satisfied with high-quality products. Second, it’s a good timing to eliminate backward industries with low value added, and the high-tech and environment-friendly industries should be further promoted. In addition, China’s market could be more open to services, especially in the financial sector and IT services, to attract more foreign investors. Highly skilled talents should be better valued in the labor market. Efficient vocational education and further education could also help change the structure of China’s labor market.

In December 2024, the surveyed unemployment rate in urban areas of China ranged at 5.1 percent, up from 5.0 percent in the previous month. The annual unemployment rate in China was 5.1 percent in 2024. Surveyed versus registered unemployment Figures on surveyed unemployment were published by the National Bureau of Statistics of China in 2018 for the first time. The use of surveys was initiated to get a more accurate picture of actual unemployment in urban areas of China. The surveys cover all permanent residents between the age of 16 and retirement age living in cities. In contrast, registered unemployment figures take only those people into account that have actively reported their unemployment. As most migrant workers and other groups that do not qualify for unemployment compensations in China normally do not report their unemployment status, the figures for registered unemployment are considerably lower than those for surveyed unemployment. Youth unemployment in China Youth unemployment has become a growing problem in China in recent years. Unemployment figures for young people fluctuate over the year and normally peak in July and August in China, when the largest number of graduates enter the job market. The youth unemployment rate increased from 13.9 percent in July 2019 to 16.8 percent in July 2020, 19.9 percent in July 2022, and 21.3 percent in June 2023. This is mainly due to difficult economic conditions and rising numbers of college graduates who often do not fit the demand for more practically skilled work in the job market.

Youth Unemployment Rate in China increased to 16.90 percent in February from 16.10 percent in January of 2025. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for China Youth Unemployment Rate.

China Unemployment Rate: Age 16 to 24 data was reported at 21.300 % in Jun 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 20.800 % for May 2023. China Unemployment Rate: Age 16 to 24 data is updated monthly, averaging 13.700 % from Jan 2018 (Median) to Jun 2023, with 66 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 21.300 % in Jun 2023 and a record low of 9.600 % in May 2018. China Unemployment Rate: Age 16 to 24 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Labour Market – Table CN.GB: Surveyed Unemployment. According to NBS news, from Aug 2023, the urban surveyed unemployment rate of the young people by age group will be suspend. 根据国家统计局新闻发布会，自2023年8月份起，全国青年人等分年龄段的城镇调查失业率将暂停发布.

China Unemployment Rate: % Change data was reported at -2.353 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of -0.247 % for 2016. China Unemployment Rate: % Change data is updated yearly, averaging 0.000 % from Dec 1986 (Median) to 2017, with 32 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 30.000 % in 1989 and a record low of -8.000 % in 1991. China Unemployment Rate: % Change data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Monetary Fund. The data is categorized under Global Database’s China – Table CN.IMF.IFS: Labour Force, Employment and Unemployment: Annual.

Graph and download economic data for Infra-Annual Registered Unemployment and Job Vacancies: Total Economy: Registered Unemployment for China (LMUNRRTTCNQ156S) from Q1 2003 to Q3 2011 about China, unemployment, and rate.

Youth unemployment refers to the share of the labor force ages 15-24 without work but available for and seeking employment.

Key information about China Labour Force Participation Rate

• China Labour Force Participation Rate increased to 65.8 % in Dec 2023, compared with 65.8 % in the previous year.
• China Labour Force Participation Rate is updated yearly, available from Dec 1990 to Dec 2023, with an average rate of 72.1 % .
• The data reached the an all-time high of 79.2 % in Dec 1990 and a record low of 65.8 % in Dec 2022.
• China Labour Force Participation Rate is reported by reported by CEIC Data.
• In the latest reports, China Population reached 1,408.3 million people in Dec 2024.
• Unemployment Rate of China remained the same at 5.1 % in Dec 2024.
• The country's Monthly Earnings stood at 1,392.5 USD in Dec 2023.

Registered Unemployment Rate: Urban: Sichuan data was reported at 3.600 % in 2021. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3.630 % for 2020. Registered Unemployment Rate: Urban: Sichuan data is updated yearly, averaging 4.015 % from Dec 1980 (Median) to 2021, with 34 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5.500 % in 1980 and a record low of 2.300 % in 1985. Registered Unemployment Rate: Urban: Sichuan data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Labour Market – Table CN.GB: Registered Unemployment.

In 2023, the youth unemployment rate in China increased by 0.9 percentage points (+6.06 percent) compared to 2022. With 15.72 percent, the youth unemployment rate thereby reached its highest value in the observed period. The youth unemployment rate refers to the share of the economically active population aged 15 to 24 currently without work but in search of employment. The youth unemployment rate does not include economically inactive persons such as the long-term unemployed or full-time students.Find more key insights for the youth unemployment rate in countries like Japan and Mongolia.

Registered Unemployment Rate: Urban: Fujian data was reported at 3.330 % in 2021. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3.820 % for 2020. Registered Unemployment Rate: Urban: Fujian data is updated yearly, averaging 3.645 % from Dec 1980 (Median) to 2021, with 34 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 7.000 % in 1980 and a record low of 1.500 % in 1993. Registered Unemployment Rate: Urban: Fujian data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Labour Market – Table CN.GB: Registered Unemployment.

China Unemployment Rate: % Change over Previous Period data was reported at -1.266 % in Dec 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.000 % for Sep 2017. China Unemployment Rate: % Change over Previous Period data is updated quarterly, averaging 0.000 % from Jun 2002 (Median) to Dec 2017, with 63 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5.556 % in Jun 2002 and a record low of -4.762 % in Sep 2010. China Unemployment Rate: % Change over Previous Period data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Monetary Fund. The data is categorized under Global Database’s China – Table CN.IMF.IFS: Labour Force, Employment and Unemployment: Quarterly.

The graph shows the quarterly registered unemployment rate in urban regions of China from the second quarter of 2018 to the fourth quarter of 2021 and the surveyed urban unemployment rate since the first quarter of 2022 with an approximate figure for Q4 2021. During the second quarter of 2023, around 5.2 percent of the Chinese urban labor force had been unemployed. The monthly surveyed unemployment rate of urban areas in China ranged at 5.2 percent in August 2023. The figures of the monthly surveyed unemployment rate indicate that surveyed unemployment in the fourth quarter of 2021 had ranged between 4.9 and 5.1 percent.

Registered Unemployment Rate: Urban: Anhui: Hefei data was reported at 2.770 % in 2021. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3.060 % for 2020. Registered Unemployment Rate: Urban: Anhui: Hefei data is updated yearly, averaging 2.995 % from Dec 2010 (Median) to 2021, with 12 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.930 % in 2011 and a record low of 2.770 % in 2021. Registered Unemployment Rate: Urban: Anhui: Hefei data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Hefei Municipal Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Labour Market – Table CN.GF: Registered Unemployment Rate: Urban: Prefecture Level City.

Registered Unemployment Rate: Urban: Xinjiang data was reported at 2.040 % in 2021. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.390 % for 2020. Registered Unemployment Rate: Urban: Xinjiang data is updated yearly, averaging 3.375 % from Dec 1980 (Median) to 2021, with 34 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5.200 % in 1980 and a record low of 1.400 % in 1985. Registered Unemployment Rate: Urban: Xinjiang data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Labour Market – Table CN.GB: Registered Unemployment.

The statistic shows the estimated unemployment rate in China from 2013 to 2023, broken down by gender. In 2023, approximately 4.31 percent of the female labor force in China were unemployed.

Labour Costs in China decreased to 58.80 points in February from 59.70 points in January of 2025. This dataset provides - China Labour Costs - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Registered Unemployment Rate: Urban: Anhui data was reported at 2.460 % in 2021. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.830 % for 2020. Registered Unemployment Rate: Urban: Anhui data is updated yearly, averaging 3.200 % from Dec 1980 (Median) to 2021, with 34 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 6.900 % in 1980 and a record low of 1.300 % in 1985. Registered Unemployment Rate: Urban: Anhui data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Labour Market – Table CN.GB: Registered Unemployment.

Graph and download economic data for Infra-Annual Registered Unemployment and Job Vacancies: Total Economy: Registered Unemployment for China (LMUNRRTTCNA156N) from 1978 to 2010 about China, unemployment, and rate.