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The Chinese labor market, 2000–2024

Author

Listed:
  • Junsen Zhang

    (School of Economics, Zhejiang University, China, and IZA, Germany)

  • Jia Wu

    (Lingnan College, Sun Yat-sen University, China)

Abstract

China experienced significant economic progress over the past few decades, with an annual average GDP growth of approximately 8.6%. Population expansion has certainly been a contributing factor, but that is now changing as China rapidly ages. Rural migrants are set to play a key role in compensating for future labor shortages. However, they still face significant barriers to live in cities permanently, resulting in surging waves of return migration in recent years. Additionally, China faces a low fertility rate of 1.01 births per woman, although the population control policy has been relaxed. Millions of people are employed in the food delivery and courier industry, yet with little social benefit and insurance, which poses potential challenges for China’s labor market stability.

Suggested Citation

  • Junsen Zhang & Jia Wu, 2025. "The Chinese labor market, 2000–2024," IZA World of Labor, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), pages 4372-4372, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izawol:journl:2025:n:437v2
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers

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