SHANGHAI — Youth unemployment in China surged to 18.8% in August, the highest level recorded this year, as the country grapples with economic challenges. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that the jobless rate among 16- to 24-year-olds not in education rose from 17.1% in July.
This sharp increase follows the graduation of nearly 12 million students in June, intensifying competition in an already tough job market. The unemployment rate for 25- to 29-year-olds also edged up to 6.9% from 6.5%.
China’s youth unemployment rate previously peaked at 21.3% in June 2023 before authorities paused the publication of figures and adjusted their methodology. Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized that tackling youth unemployment is a “top priority.”
The latest data adds to concerns following weak retail sales and industrial production growth for August, with the NBS acknowledging challenges in domestic demand and external economic pressures.