China Conceals Alarming Rise in Youth Unemployment as Economic Concerns Mount

China Suspends Report on Youth Unemployment, Which Was at a Record High

The Chinese government has announced that it will no longer release monthly data on youth unemployment, which has been steadily rising this year and reached a record high of 21.3 percent in June. This decision comes as the country faces an expected seventh consecutive monthly increase in youth unemployment.

The unemployment rate among 16- to 24-year-olds in urban areas has been on the rise every month this year, and economists predicted that it would continue to climb last month. The suspension of this widely-watched report has raised concerns among investors and executives who believe that the government’s tightening control of information is making it more difficult to do business in China.

Fu Linghui, a spokesman for the National Bureau of Statistics, stated that the government would no longer make public employment information for youth and other age groups. He cited the need for improvement and optimization of the surveys used to collect the data as the reason for the suspension.

China’s youth unemployment rate has doubled in the last four years, largely due to the economic volatility caused by the “zero Covid” measures implemented by Beijing. These measures led to companies being wary of hiring, disrupted education for many students, and made it difficult for young people to secure internships that often led to job offers.

The announcement of the report’s suspension quickly gained attention on Chinese social media, with over 140 million views on the site Weibo within hours. Many online commenters expressed skepticism, believing that the government suspended the report to hide negative information. Others argued that the public has the right to be informed about the state of youth unemployment.

The struggle for young people to find work is a growing concern for the Chinese economy, the second-largest in the world. The economy has been faltering for the past seven months, following the end of the “zero Covid” push. Falling exports, souring consumer confidence, and deflation have contributed to the economic downturn.

While the government has introduced measures to boost youth employment and confidence, such as offering subsidies and pressuring colleges and universities to assist graduates in finding jobs, the economy has been slow to respond. Private companies, which account for 80 percent of urban employment in China, have been hit hard by lockdowns and mass testing during the pandemic. Additionally, regulatory actions targeting technology, real estate, and education industries have led to layoffs and increased caution among businesses and investors.

The mismatch between labor demand and supply is another challenge facing young people in China. A record number of students, 11.6 million, were expected to graduate from college or university this year, with future classes projected to be even larger. However, the jobs that college graduates desire, such as those in technology and education, have been slower to recover compared to industries like construction and transportation.

The rising youth unemployment rate could have broader implications beyond the economy. A report from the China Macroeconomy Forum

What are the potential consequences of withholding key information on youth unemployment in China’s economy?

People to secure stable employment.

The decision to suspend the report on youth unemployment has sparked concerns over the transparency of China’s economic data. Some experts argue that by withholding key information, the government is hindering both domestic and international businesses in making informed decisions.

China’s economy heavily relies on its young workforce, and the rising unemployment rate among the youth is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. The lack of transparency surrounding this issue raises questions about the true state of the Chinese economy and its ability to support its growing population.

Many fear that without accurate and timely data on youth unemployment, it will be challenging to generate effective policies and initiatives to combat this issue. The suspension of the report also hinders researchers and analysts from gaining a comprehensive understanding of the labor market and the impact it has on various sectors of the economy.

The Chinese government has emphasized the need for improvement in data collection and survey methods. While this may be a valid concern, it is crucial for the government to maintain transparency in reporting unemployment rates, especially for such a significant demographic as the youth.

Investors and executives are closely monitoring China’s economic indicators, and the lack of reliable data on youth unemployment may raise doubts about the government’s commitment to openness and accountability. This may potentially affect investment decisions and the overall confidence in China’s economic stability.

Moving forward, it is essential for the Chinese government to address the concerns raised by the suspension of the report on youth unemployment. Restoring confidence in the accuracy and transparency of economic data is vital for both domestic and international stakeholders and will contribute to a more robust and sustainable economic future for China.