China: Urban Surveyed Unemployment Rate - Population Aged from 16 to 24 Excluding Students

Macro

2026-06-26

Description

The Urban Surveyed Unemployment Rate for the Population Aged 16 to 24 Excluding Students, published by the National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBS), is an indicator based on sample surveys conducted among the urban population aged 16 to 24 who are not students. This metric reflects the proportion of unemployed individuals within this demographic relative to the total labor force, serving as a key indicator of youth employment conditions in China.

An increase in the unemployment rate for the 16-24 non-student population typically signals growing employment pressure among Chinese youth, possibly indicating an economic slowdown or reduced demand for young labor. Conversely, a decrease in this rate may suggest an improvement in employment conditions and a strengthening of economic activity. It is noteworthy that the graduation of students aged 16 to 24 between June and July, as they transition into non-student status, often results in a seasonal rise in the unemployment rate for this group during these months.

This data is released monthly, providing insights into the fluctuations in the urban surveyed unemployment rate for the 16-24 non-student population over the previous month.

Note: In December 2023, the NBS adjusted the statistical methodology for age-grouped unemployment rates and re-released the unemployment rates excluding students, aligning the data more closely with international standards.

Published by
National Bureau of Statistic (Choice)
Frequency
Monthly
Next Update
Hashtags

AI Data Insight

China's surveyed urban unemployment rate for the 16-24 age group (excluding students) dropped to 15.6% in Q2 (May) 2026, a significant decline of 0.7 percentage points from the previous 16.3%. Although the job market for all age groups saw short-term improvements, it is supported by a large labor population shifting to flexible employment. With a record-breaking 12.7 million university graduates about to enter the workforce, summer employment data is expected to face the risk of a seasonal surge once again.

AI Data Insight

China's surveyed urban unemployment rate for the 16-24 age group (excluding students) dropped to 15.6% in Q2 (May) 2026, a significant decline of 0.7 percentage points from the previous 16.3%. Although the job market for all age groups saw short-term improvements, it is supported by a large labor population shifting to flexible employment. With a record-breaking 12.7 million university graduates about to enter the workforce, summer employment data is expected to face the risk of a seasonal surge once again.

Description

The Urban Surveyed Unemployment Rate for the Population Aged 16 to 24 Excluding Students, published by the National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBS), is an indicator based on sample surveys conducted among the urban population aged 16 to 24 who are not students. This metric reflects the proportion of unemployed individuals within this demographic relative to the total labor force, serving as a key indicator of youth employment conditions in China.

An increase in the unemployment rate for the 16-24 non-student population typically signals growing employment pressure among Chinese youth, possibly indicating an economic slowdown or reduced demand for young labor. Conversely, a decrease in this rate may suggest an improvement in employment conditions and a strengthening of economic activity. It is noteworthy that the graduation of students aged 16 to 24 between June and July, as they transition into non-student status, often results in a seasonal rise in the unemployment rate for this group during these months.

This data is released monthly, providing insights into the fluctuations in the urban surveyed unemployment rate for the 16-24 non-student population over the previous month.

Note: In December 2023, the NBS adjusted the statistical methodology for age-grouped unemployment rates and re-released the unemployment rates excluding students, aligning the data more closely with international standards.

Published by
National Bureau of Statistic (Choice)
Frequency
Monthly
Next Update
Hashtags