Hong Kong SAR, China Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
Hong Kong SAR, China's unemployment rate was 2.80% in 2025, ranked 32nd globally. This represents a 6.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
Hong Kong SAR, China's unemployment rate stood at 2.80% in 2025, a decline of +0.21pp from 2024. The IMF projects 3.37% by 2025. Hong Kong SAR, China ranked 32nd globally.
Hong Kong SAR, China has experienced a relatively stable unemployment rate over the past four decades, with some notable fluctuations. The region's unemployment rate peaked at 7.86% in 2003, largely due to the SARS outbreak and subsequent economic slowdown. Conversely, the trough of 1.08% was recorded in 1989, a year marked by rapid economic growth and expansion in the region. In more recent years, the unemployment rate has trended downwards, currently standing at 2.80% in 2025, ranking 32nd globally. This rate is comparable to that of Singapore, which also boasts a low unemployment rate of 2.82%. While this stability is a positive indicator for the local labor market, a significant shift in the global economic landscape or a prolonged downturn in the region's key industries could potentially alter this trend, making it essential for policymakers to remain vigilant and adapt to any changes in the economic environment.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 2.75% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 2.89% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 3.03% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 3.18% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 3.28% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 3.37% | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.80% | −0.21pp | #32 |
| 2024 | 2.99% | +0.01pp | #41 |
| 2023 | 2.95% | −1.40pp | #38 |
| 2022 | 4.32% | −1.09pp | #75 |
| 2021 | 5.17% | −0.35pp | #78 |
| 2020 | 5.81% | +2.90pp | #86 |
| 2019 | 2.92% | +0.11pp | #34 |
| 2018 | 2.81% | −0.35pp | #30 |
| 2017 | 3.12% | −0.26pp | #34 |
| 2016 | 3.39% | +0.09pp | #40 |
| 2015 | 3.31% | +0.07pp | #37 |
| 2014 | 3.30% | −0.10pp | #38 |
| 2013 | 3.40% | +0.10pp | #39 |
| 2012 | 3.29% | −0.18pp | #35 |
| 2011 | 3.42% | −1.00pp | #36 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Hong Kong SAR, China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2017. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Hong Kong SAR, China's unemployment rate was 2.80% in 2025. Ranked 32nd globally. This represents a 6.9% decrease from the previous year.
Hong Kong SAR, China's unemployment rate peaked at 7.86% in 2003.
The lowest unemployment rate in Hong Kong SAR, China was 1.08% in 1989.
Hong Kong SAR, China ranks 32nd globally in unemployment rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Hong Kong SAR, China's unemployment rate is projected to reach 3.37% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The unemployment rate of Hong Kong SAR, China in 2025 was 2.80%. This ranks 32nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_hong-kong-sar-china_unemployment-rate,
title = {Hong Kong SAR, China Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/hong-kong-sar-china/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}