Chile’s unemployment rate fell to 8% in January 2025, the lowest in two years, surpassing market expectations. Employment increased by 1.3%, while the unemployed population decreased by 4.1%. Female unemployment rose, but male unemployment fell. Informal employment also declined, particularly in commerce and manufacturing.
In January 2025, Chile’s unemployment rate declined to 8%, marking the lowest level in two years and falling short of market projections, which anticipated a rate of 8.2%. This change represents a decrease of 0.4 percentage points from the previous year, largely due to a 0.8% growth in the labor force, which was exceeded by a notable 1.3% increase in employment numbers.
Notably, the number of unemployed individuals dropped by 4.1%, attributed primarily to a 4.2% reduction in those who had previous employment and a 2.8% decrease in first-time job seekers. However, it is important to highlight that the unemployment rate for females rose to 9.1%, reflecting an increase of 0.3 percentage points, while the male unemployment rate fell to 7.2%, indicating a decline of 1.0 percentage point.
The rate of informal employment has also seen a downward trend, dropping to 26.3%, a decrease of 1.3 percentage points over the year. This decline can be significantly linked to a reduction in the number of informal workers engaged in commerce and manufacturing sectors, showcasing the ongoing structural changes within the Chilean labor market.
In conclusion, the recent statistics concerning Chile’s unemployment rate demonstrate a positive shift in national employment dynamics, highlighted by the notable decrease in overall joblessness and informal employment. Nevertheless, the increase in female unemployment draws attention to persistent gender disparities that warrant consideration in future policy measures.
Original Source: www.tradingview.com
