China’s surveyed unemployment rate edged down to 5.1% in April 2025, beating market expectations and improving from the previous month’s reading of 5.2%.
China jobless rate at four-month low
This marked the lowest level since December 2024 and signaled a modest improvement in the labor market despite broader economic headwinds. The drop comes amid ongoing efforts by Beijing to stabilize employment through targeted fiscal measures and support for small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in services and manufacturing.
Further breakdown of the data showed that the jobless rate among the locally registered urban labor force fell to 5.2%, while the rate for the non-locally registered, or migrant labor force, was lower at 4.8%. Within this category, those with an agricultural household registration (hukou) saw an even lower unemployment rate of 4.7%, reflecting seasonal demand in rural-linked sectors such as construction and logistics. The urban surveyed unemployment rate across China’s 31 major cities also held steady at 5.1%, in line with the national average and pointing to a relatively balanced labor market across regions.
Average weekly working hours for employees in Chinese enterprises increased to 48.3 hours in April, indicating growing labor intensity amid a pickup in industrial activity and an extended recovery in consumer services. For the January–April period, the national urban surveyed unemployment rate averaged 5.2%, slightly lower than in the same period last year, offering a cautiously optimistic signal that job creation is holding up in the face of external trade pressures and domestic consumption challenges.
Youth unemployment remains high
Still, youth unemployment remains elevated and continues to be a key concern for policymakers. Although detailed age-group figures were not disclosed in the latest release, prior reports have suggested persistently high joblessness among those aged 16 to 24. Analysts note that structural changes in China’s economy—such as the shift toward higher-value manufacturing and digital services—require better alignment between education and labor market needs.
Looking ahead, labor market performance is expected to remain closely tied to policy measures, including further monetary easing, tax incentives for businesses, and efforts to boost household incomes and consumption. Economists are watching whether these interventions will be enough to sustain job growth amid global uncertainties and domestic real estate sector strains.
