China's youth unemployment rate declines amid record graduate influx

[WORLD] China's youth unemployment rate saw a modest improvement in April, offering a glimmer of relief as the country gears up for a challenging job-hunting season, with a record number of graduates poised to enter the labor market.

According to figures released Tuesday by the National Bureau of Statistics, the urban unemployment rate among 16- to 24-year-olds — excluding students — dipped to 15.8 percent last month, down from 16.5 percent in March. The decline signals a potentially improving labor market, even as the nation prepares for an influx of new jobseekers.

The figure marks the lowest youth jobless rate recorded so far in 2025, following a peak of 16.9 percent in February. Still, the rate remains higher than the same time last year, underscoring persistent headwinds. Official data shows that approximately 12.22 million university students are expected to graduate this year — the largest cohort on record and 430,000 more than in 2024 — intensifying pressure on the employment landscape.

Compounding the situation are external uncertainties such as the ongoing US-China trade tensions. While both sides have agreed to temporarily scale back tariffs over a 90-day period, lingering doubts over the bilateral relationship continue to cast a shadow over job prospects in sectors reliant on cross-border commerce.

Domestically, structural issues within the Chinese economy further complicate the outlook. A persistent mismatch between the qualifications of graduates and the needs of employers remains a key obstacle. Many young jobseekers either lack the specialized skills in demand or are overqualified for entry-level roles, highlighting a growing disconnect between education systems and labor market requirements.

In response, Beijing has rolled out a series of policies aimed at alleviating youth unemployment, including measures to foster entrepreneurship, expand vocational training, and incentivize companies to hire young talent. The success of these initiatives will be vital in determining whether the recent downward trend in youth joblessness can be sustained amid mounting economic pressures.