China’s urban youth unemployment rate for 16- to 24-year-olds, excluding students, dropped to 16.9% in November 2025 from 17.3% in the previous month, marking the lowest level since June, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics released Thursday. The improvement suggests tentative stabilization in the labor market amid gradual economic recovery, supported by stronger services activity and targeted policy measures to support hiring. However, the jobless rate remains elevated by historical standards, reflecting ongoing structural challenges and subdued private-sector confidence. Meanwhile, figures released earlier showed the surveyed jobless rate in the country stood at 5.1% in November, keeping the same level as in October and staying at its lowest figure in four months.
