19.08.202507:28:22UTC+00China Youth Jobless Rate Hits 11-Month High in July

In July 2025, China's youth unemployment rate for individuals aged 16 to 24, excluding those in college, rose significantly to 17.8% from 14.5% in June. This figure represents the highest level of youth unemployment since August 2024, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics on Thursday. The increase highlights the ongoing challenges facing fresh graduates and younger workers, as sectors such as technology, real estate, and education continue to experience subdued demand. Analysts have pointed out that the persistent property market downturn, coupled with weak private investment, is hindering the hiring process. Moreover, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—which are major employers of young individuals—are encountering stricter financing conditions. In response, policymakers have committed to providing more support through initiatives such as vocational training and incentives aimed at encouraging companies to employ young people. Additionally, earlier data indicated that the overall surveyed unemployment rate in the country had risen to a four-month high of 5.2% in July, slightly surpassing the market forecast of 5.1%.