Story perspectives

China Youth Unemployment Hits 17%, 25-29 Rate Peaks 7.7%

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

China's unemployment rate for 25- to 29-year-olds rose to 7.7% in March 2026, the highest since the category began, while joblessness hit 5.4% and youth unemployment neared 17% for ages 16-24.
Ernan Cui of Gavekal Dragonomics said uncertainties from the Iran war may have disrupted hiring plans and worsened March labor-market indicators.
The National Bureau of Statistics revised its methodology in early 2024 to track 25- to 29-year-olds after record youth unemployment.

1 of 1

Story summary

China's unemployment rate for 25- to 29-year-olds rose to 7.7% in March 2026, the highest since the category began, while joblessness hit 5.4% and youth unemployment neared 17% for ages 16-24.
Ernan Cui of Gavekal Dragonomics said uncertainties from the Iran war may have disrupted hiring plans and worsened March labor-market indicators.
The National Bureau of Statistics revised its methodology in early 2024 to track 25- to 29-year-olds after record youth unemployment.