By Obinna Uballa
China’s youth unemployment rate surged to 17.8% in July, highlighting persistent strains in the world’s second-largest economy despite recent government measures to spur growth.
Figures released Tuesday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed joblessness among those aged 16 to 24, excluding college students, rose sharply from 14.5% in June.
The unemployment rate for young adults aged 25 to 29 also ticked higher, reaching 6.9% compared with 6.7% a month earlier. In contrast, the jobless rate among 30- to 59-year-olds eased slightly to 3.9% from 4.0%.
The rise underscores the uneven nature of China’s recovery, with younger workers bearing the brunt of weak labour demand. A record number of college graduates entered the job market this summer, intensifying competition at a time when private firms remain cautious about hiring amid sluggish consumer spending, property market woes, and muted investor confidence.
The NBS had last year suspended publication of youth unemployment figures following criticism over record highs above 20%. The resumption of the data series earlier this year was seen as a move to restore transparency, though authorities continue to stress that excluding full-time students provides a clearer picture of the job market.
China’s broader economy has struggled to regain pre-pandemic momentum. Growth has been hampered by a prolonged property downturn, weak exports, and subdued household demand, prompting Beijing to roll out fresh stimulus measures including support for housing, tax breaks for businesses, and job creation programs targeted at young workers.
