Hong Kong SAR, China Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Hong Kong SAR, China's youth unemployment was 8.96% in 2025, ranked 58th globally. This represents a 5.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Hong Kong SAR, China's youth unemployment stood at 8.96% in 2025, a decline of +0.55pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 7.50% by 2026. Hong Kong SAR, China ranked 58th globally.
Hong Kong SAR, China's youth unemployment rate has experienced significant fluctuations over the past three and a half decades. The indicator peaked at 15.53% in 2020, a stark contrast to its all-time trough of 4.20% in 1991. This volatility is a hallmark of the global economy, with the current rate standing at 8.96%, ranking 58th globally. In comparison, the Netherlands, a peer country, has a youth unemployment rate of 8.83%, indicating that Hong Kong SAR, China's current rate is slightly higher. The notable increase in youth unemployment in 2020 may be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a profound impact on global labor markets. As the global economy continues to recover from the pandemic, a sustained improvement in the labor market conditions could help to reduce the youth unemployment rate in Hong Kong SAR, China. However, any potential resurgence in global economic uncertainty or pandemic-related disruptions could hinder this trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 5.66% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 6.58% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 7.50% | - | - |
| 2025 | 8.96% | −0.55pp | #58 |
| 2024 | 9.51% | +0.53pp | #64 |
| 2023 | 8.97% | −2.06pp | #61 |
| 2022 | 11.03% | −1.76pp | #83 |
| 2021 | 12.79% | −2.74pp | #79 |
| 2020 | 15.53% | +7.01pp | #96 |
| 2019 | 8.53% | −0.20pp | #57 |
| 2018 | 8.73% | +0.20pp | #58 |
| 2017 | 8.53% | −1.20pp | #54 |
| 2016 | 9.73% | −0.70pp | #58 |
| 2015 | 10.42% | +1.22pp | #65 |
| 2014 | 9.20% | −0.24pp | #56 |
| 2013 | 9.44% | +0.22pp | #62 |
| 2012 | 9.23% | −0.04pp | #61 |
| 2011 | 9.27% | −2.83pp | #59 |
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 youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Hong Kong SAR, China's youth unemployment was 8.96% in 2025. Ranked 58th globally. This represents a 5.8% decrease from the previous year.
Hong Kong SAR, China's youth unemployment peaked at 15.53% in 2020.
The lowest youth unemployment in Hong Kong SAR, China was 4.20% in 1991.
Hong Kong SAR, China ranks 58th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Hong Kong SAR, China's youth unemployment is projected to reach 7.50% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Hong Kong SAR, China in 2025 was 8.96%. This ranks 58th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_hong-kong-sar-china_youth-unemployment,
title = {Hong Kong SAR, China Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/hong-kong-sar-china/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}