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China Youth Unemployment Falls to 12-Month Low as Labour Market Shows Improvement

Beijing, 20 July 2026 – China’s youth unemployment rate declined to a 12-month low in June, providing a measure of relief for policymakers as the world’s second-largest economy continues to address employment pressures among younger workers.

The surveyed urban unemployment rate for people aged between 16 and 24, excluding students, fell to 14.9% from 15.6% in May. The improvement suggests that hiring conditions strengthened as businesses increased recruitment ahead of the mid-year graduation season.

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Author

  • Rebecca Hsu is a Senior Economist and Lead Analyst for The Ledger Asia, focusing on the rapidly evolving financial landscapes of East and Southeast Asia. With a background in sovereign risk assessment and emerging market trends, Rebecca provides sharp commentary on trade dynamics, monetary policy, and the digital economy's impact on regional growth.

    Formerly a strategic advisor for major financial institutions in Hong Kong, she excels at translating complex macroeconomic shifts into actionable insights for investors and policymakers. Her work at The Ledger Asia centers on China’s economic transition and the burgeoning manufacturing hubs of ASEAN, ensuring readers stay ahead of Asia’s shifting financial tides.

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