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

Macro

2026-05-22

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
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AI Data Insight

China's latest data for 2026 (Q2 2026) shows that the unemployment rate for youths aged 16-24 (excluding students) dropped to 16.3%, a significant retreat from the previous figure of 16.9% (Q1 2026). This decline was largely driven by the fading of the seasonal post-Spring Festival job-hunting wave, which led to an across-the-board improvement in unemployment rates among all age groups. However, with over ten million new graduates expected to flood the market in the summer, youth employment still faces severe structural challenges and the risk of a sharp rebound.

AI Data Insight

China's latest data for 2026 (Q2 2026) shows that the unemployment rate for youths aged 16-24 (excluding students) dropped to 16.3%, a significant retreat from the previous figure of 16.9% (Q1 2026). This decline was largely driven by the fading of the seasonal post-Spring Festival job-hunting wave, which led to an across-the-board improvement in unemployment rates among all age groups. However, with over ten million new graduates expected to flood the market in the summer, youth employment still faces severe structural challenges and the risk of a sharp rebound.

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