China’s urban youth unemployment rate for 16–24 year olds, excluding students, rose to 16.9% in March 2026 from 16.1% in February, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. This was the highest level since November 2025 and reversed the downward trend seen since September, as a new wave of graduates entered the market amid subdued hiring demand, intensifying pressure on entry-level positions.
Unemployment among 25–29 year olds, also excluding students, increased to 7.7% from 7.2% in February, indicating that early-career workers continue to face a highly competitive job market and slower transition into stable employment. The jobless rate for those aged 30–59 inched up to 4.3% from 4.2%, signaling a broader softening in labor demand.
Earlier figures also showed China’s overall surveyed unemployment rate climbing to a 13‑month high of 5.4% in March, underlining persistent labor market pressures despite ongoing policy support.
