The unemployment rate among youth in China rose to 18.8% in August, marking the highest level recorded since the beginning of the year, reflecting the economic difficulties the country is facing.

The unemployment rate among young people aged 16 to 24 who are not in education also increased compared to July, when it stood at 17.1%, according to figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics, as reported by foreign media on Friday.

The expected unemployment rate was recorded at 21.3% in June 2023, before authorities decided to stop publishing it, as they seek to adjust their methodology by excluding students from the statistics.