China Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
China's net migration was -268,126 in 2025, ranked 9th globally. This represents a 15.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
China's net migration stood at -268,126 in 2025, a rise of +50,866 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -306,257 by 2026. China ranked 9th globally.
China's net migration trend has experienced significant fluctuations over the past six decades, with the all-time peak of 1,246,654 people occurring in 1967 and the all-time trough of -1,250,441 individuals in 1964. The country's net migration has generally been negative, with the latest available data showing a net outflow of 268,126 people in 2025. This is closer to the levels seen in peer countries such as Jordan, which had a net outflow of 303,267 people in the same year. China's net migration has been declining since the peak in the 1960s, reflecting changes in the country's economic and demographic landscape. A continued shift in the demographic structure, combined with potential changes in China's economic policies, could alter the trajectory of net migration in the coming years, potentially leading to a decrease in the outflow of people and a more stable population.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -266,637 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -286,447 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -306,257 | - | - |
| 2025 | -268,126 | +50,866 | #9 |
| 2024 | -318,992 | +248,732 | #6 |
| 2023 | -567,724 | −273,878 | #4 |
| 2022 | -293,846 | +85,903 | #8 |
| 2021 | -379,749 | −288,172 | #4 |
| 2020 | -91,577 | +564,514 | #9 |
| 2019 | -656,091 | −457,885 | #4 |
| 2018 | -198,206 | −103,581 | #8 |
| 2017 | -94,625 | +58,431 | #15 |
| 2016 | -153,056 | +493,885 | #9 |
| 2015 | -646,941 | −275,833 | #5 |
| 2014 | -371,108 | −182,157 | #5 |
| 2013 | -188,951 | −130,087 | #9 |
| 2012 | -58,864 | +357,325 | #23 |
| 2011 | -416,189 | −232,045 | #4 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2013. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
China's net migration was -268,126 in 2025. Ranked 9th globally. This represents a 15.9% increase from the previous year.
China's net migration peaked at 1.2M in 1967.
The lowest net migration in China was -1.3M in 1964.
China ranks 9th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
China's net migration is projected to reach -306,257 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of China in 2025 was -268,126. This ranks 9th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_china_net-migration,
title = {China Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/china/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}