Taiwan’s jobless rate hits 25-year low for April

Taiwan’s unemployment rate dipped to 3.32% in April, marking the lowest level for the month in a quarter-century and signalling ongoing labour market resilience, according to data released by the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS).

After accounting for seasonal adjustments, the jobless rate stood at 3.36% – unchanged from March – reflecting underlying stability despite broader global economic uncertainties.

The number of unemployed persons fell by 4,000 from March to reach 399,000, breaking a two-month trend of rising joblessness. Tan Wen-ling, Deputy Director of the Census Department at DGBAS, attributed the decline to fewer first-time jobseekers and a reduction in layoffs due to business closures or dissatisfaction with previous roles.

“The number of unemployed people seeking work for the first time dropped by 2,000 compared to the previous month,” Tan said. She added that layoffs due to company shutdowns or downsizing, and resignations tied to job dissatisfaction, each fell by 1,000.

Compared with April 2023, unemployment also declined by 4,000 year-on-year, further underscoring the positive trajectory of Taiwan’s employment landscape.

Tan noted that April typically reflects a seasonal downturn in unemployment, following the job-hopping period after the Lunar New Year bonus season. “If there are no major disruptions, the jobless rate may continue to edge lower in May,” she said, cautioning, however, that the upcoming graduation season in June could temporarily lift the rate due to an influx of new jobseekers.

Youth unemployment remains a key concern. Individuals aged 20–24 faced the highest unemployment rate at 11.3%, followed by those aged 15–19 at 8.15%, while the rate for those aged 25–29 stood at 5.69%, and for 30–34 year-olds, 3.4%.

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When asked about the potential impact of US tariff measures on the local job market, Tan said the current influence appears limited. However, she acknowledged a slight uptick in the number of employees placed on unpaid leave, according to figures released by the Ministry of Labour on May 1 — a possible early indicator of strain among certain companies.

“There is a 90-day suspension of additional tariffs beyond the base 10% rate applied to most countries, including Taiwan,” Tan said. “The full impact of these trade measures on employment will require continued monitoring.”

Taiwan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remains competitive on the global stage. At 3.36%, it is significantly lower than Canada’s 6.9% and the US’s 4.2%, though still above South Korea’s 2.7%, reported Focus Taiwan.