China Unemployment Rate — 2026 Data, Trend & Forecast
China's unemployment rate was 4.62% in December 2025, up from 4.59% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 4.59%.
China's unemployment rate stands at 4.62% as of December 2025. Over the latest readings, the unemployment rate has moved within a band of 2.37% to 5.00%. The most recent figure of 4.62% is up from 4.59% a year earlier, and is 0.03% higher than a year ago.
The trend
Among the 226 economies tracked on this platform, China ranks #133 on unemployment rate by latest value. It rose from 4.59% in the previous year, and compares with a year-earlier 4.59%.
What's driving it
Joblessness tracks the business cycle, labour-force participation and structural shifts in industry, and tends to lag changes in output.
Recent readings
| Period | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | 4.62% |
| Dec 2024 | 4.59% |
| Dec 2023 | 4.67% |
| Dec 2022 | 4.98% |
| Dec 2021 | 4.55% |
| Dec 2020 | 5.00% |
| Dec 2019 | 4.56% |
| Dec 2018 | 4.31% |
Data: The World Bank — World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0) Figures carry an effective date; confirm with the source before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
What Is the Unemployment Rate in China in 2026?
China's unemployment rate was 4.62% in December 2025, up from 4.59% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 4.59%.
Is the unemployment rate rising or falling in China?
It rose in the latest reading — 4.62% in December 2025 versus 4.59% a year earlier. Year on year it is higher.
What is unemployment rate?
It measures the share of the labour force that is without work but actively seeking a job.