The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Hong Kong from April to June was 3.7%, with an underemployment rate rising by 0.1 percentage points.

On July 17, according to the latest labor force statistics released by the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department (i.e. provisional figures for April to June 2026), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for April to June 2026 was 3.7%, the same as the previous period of March to May 2026. The underemployment rate increased from 1.5% in March to May 2026 to 1.6% in April to June 2026. Compared to the period of March to May 2026, the unemployment rate in various industries (not seasonally adjusted) fluctuated in April to June 2026, with decreases mainly seen in the import/export trade industry, food and beverage service activities, and real estate industry; while increases were mainly seen in the manufacturing industry, and warehouse and transportation support activities. In terms of underemployment rate, increases were mainly observed in the warehouse and transportation support activities, construction industry, and professional and commercial services industry (excluding cleaning and similar activities). The total number of employed persons increased from 3,639,300 in March to May 2026 to 3,646,100 in April to June 2026, an increase of about 6,800 persons. During the same period, the total labor force also increased from 3,780,300 to 3,785,800, an increase of about 5,500 persons. The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased from 141,100 in March to May 2026 to 139,700 in April to June 2026, a decrease of about 1,400 persons. Meanwhile, the number of underemployed persons increased from 56,800 to 62,400, an increase of about 5,600 persons during the same period. When commenting on the latest unemployment figures, Hong Kong Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Sohn Yuk Han, stated that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for April to June 2026 remained at 3.7%, the same as the previous three-month period. At the same time, the underemployment rate increased by 0.1 percentage points to 1.6%. The labor force and total employment numbers had a slight increase during the period. Looking ahead, Sohn Yuk Han said that the continued growth of the Hong Kong economy should continue to support the overall labor market, but the entry of new graduates and school leavers into the labor market during the summer may bring some impact. The government will also closely monitor potential impacts of uncertainties in the external environment on business recruitment intentions.