SCIO briefing on China's economic performance in April 2025

Dazhong Daily:

In the current economic environment, the stability of the job market is essential. What are the key highlights and issues to watch in the April employment data? In response to employment difficulties, which areas should be prioritized going forward to promote job growth? Thank you.

Fu Linghui:

Thank you for your questions. Employment stability affects every household. The CPC Central Committee and the State Council attach great importance to stabilizing employment and have introduced policy measures to promote high-quality, full employment. Support for enterprises in creating job opportunities has been strengthened, and employment for key groups, such as young people and rural migrant workers, has been prioritized. Since the beginning of this year, China's economy has maintained steady growth, industries have developed positively, and new growth drivers have continued to expand. In addition, policies supporting employment and entrepreneurship for key groups have been further intensified. Together, these factors have contributed to overall employment stability.

In terms of unemployment rate trends, the national urban surveyed unemployment rate rose in January and February due to the impact of the Spring Festival. However, as business activity and production picked up after the holiday and more migrant workers returned to work, labor market activity increased, resulting in a steady decline in the unemployment rate during March and April. Overall, the national urban surveyed unemployment rate has continued to decline steadily. In April, it stood at 5.1%, down 0.1 percentage point from the previous month and marking a decline for two consecutive months. Among key groups, the surveyed unemployment rates for both rural migrant workers and young people also declined. In April, the national urban surveyed unemployment rate for migrant workers with agricultural household registration was 4.7%, down 0.3 percentage point from the previous month. The rate for those aged 16 to 24, excluding students still in school, also declined for a second consecutive month.

Nevertheless, structural employment challenges remain significant. While young people continue to face considerable employment pressure, some sectors are still struggling to recruit workers, especially front-line skilled employees. The imbalance between labor supply and demand remains a significant challenge. Meanwhile, the complex and evolving external environment is also exerting pressure on China's labor market. Looking ahead, amid a complex and evolving external environment and growing uncertainties, we will remain focused on our own work and fully implement the decisions and plans set by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. We will intensify efforts to stabilize and expand employment, promote full employment, enhance employment quality, and continue working to safeguard and improve people's livelihoods. Thank you.

Zhou Jianshe:

One last question, please.