China Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
China's labor force participation was 64.55% in 2025, ranked 66th globally. This represents a 0.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
China's labor force participation stood at 64.55% in 2025, a decline of +0.36pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 63.84% by 2026. China ranked 66th globally.
China's labor force participation rate has experienced a notable decline over the past three and a half decades, from 79.17% in 1990 to 64.55% in 2025. This represents a 16.62 percentage point drop, ranking China at 66th globally. For comparison, Sweden, a developed economy with a similar ranking, has maintained a steady labor force participation rate. China's rate has significantly fallen behind that of its Asian peer, Canada, which has remained relatively stable. The sharp decline in China's labor force participation rate is a concern, as it may impact the country's economic growth and workforce development. A rise in the retirement age, improvements in working conditions, or enhanced social security systems could potentially alter this trajectory, but for now, the trend suggests a continued decline in labor force participation.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 62.64% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 63.24% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 63.84% | - | - |
| 2025 | 64.55% | −0.36pp | #66 |
| 2024 | 64.91% | −0.92pp | #62 |
| 2023 | 65.83% | +0.03pp | #55 |
| 2022 | 65.80% | −1.31pp | #53 |
| 2021 | 67.11% | +1.39pp | #36 |
| 2020 | 65.72% | −1.66pp | #48 |
| 2019 | 67.38% | −0.43pp | #44 |
| 2018 | 67.81% | −0.54pp | #39 |
| 2017 | 68.35% | −0.53pp | #38 |
| 2016 | 68.88% | −0.42pp | #37 |
| 2015 | 69.30% | −0.35pp | #35 |
| 2014 | 69.65% | −0.32pp | #33 |
| 2013 | 69.97% | −0.44pp | #33 |
| 2012 | 70.41% | −0.45pp | #34 |
| 2011 | 70.86% | −0.10pp | #31 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2013. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
China's labor force participation was 64.55% in 2025. Ranked 66th globally. This represents a 0.6% decrease from the previous year.
China's labor force participation peaked at 79.17% in 1990.
The lowest labor force participation in China was 64.55% in 2025.
China ranks 66th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
China's labor force participation is projected to reach 63.84% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of China in 2025 was 64.55%. This ranks 66th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_china_labor-force-participation,
title = {China Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/china/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}