Hong Kong’s unemployment rate edges up to 3.8% in June-August 2026

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Most major sectors saw a rise in unemployment, with the food and beverage service activities industry experiencing the sharpest increase.

According to the latest labour force statistics released by Hong Kong’s Census and Statistics Department, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged up by 0.1 percentage point, from 3.7% in May-July 2026 to 3.8% in June-August 2026.

The underemployment rate also rose by 0.2 percentage point, from 1.7% to 1.9% over the same period.

Most major economic sectors recorded higher unemployment rates on a non-seasonally adjusted basis, with the food and beverage service activities sector posting the most noticeable increase.

Underemployment also rose mainly in the food and beverage service activities sector and construction sector.

Here’s the latest labour force statistics:

Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said: “The continued expansion of the local economy is expected to underpin overall labour market conditions, though employment situations across various industries will continue to hinge on their respective business conditions.”

“Meanwhile, the potential impacts of evolving external uncertainties on corporate hiring sentiments still warrant attention,” he added.

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