Pet and aged care, new materials emerge as bright spots in China’s job market – South China Morning Post

Q3 2025 China Employment Report: Sectoral Growth and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Economic Overview and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

An analysis of China’s third-quarter employment data for 2025 reveals targeted growth in key sectors, contributing to the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Despite a generally sluggish market, these developments foster productive employment and support economic diversification. The overall urban unemployment rate remained stable, indicating resilience in the labor market.

• The urban unemployment rate was recorded at 5.2% in September, a slight decrease from 5.3% in August.
• This stability, amidst reports of lay-offs, underscores the importance of emerging growth sectors in achieving SDG 8.
• New job creation is concentrated in high-value and service-oriented industries, promoting decent work opportunities.

Industrial Innovation and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The report highlights significant expansion in advanced manufacturing, directly aligning with the aims of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). This trend indicates a strategic shift towards sustainable industrialization and the promotion of innovation, driving demand for a skilled technical workforce.

1. New Materials Sector: This industry led all employment categories with a 66.7% year-on-year increase in job postings, demonstrating a strong commitment to industrial innovation.
2. Advanced Manufacturing: The sector as a whole is a primary engine for high-end technical talent demand, crucial for building resilient infrastructure and fostering sustainable industries.
3. AI and Frontier Technologies: Steady growth in these fields further aligns labor demand with progressive industrial development, a core target of SDG 9.

Modern Services, Well-being, and Consumption in Line with SDG 3 and SDG 12

Growth in the modern services sector reflects evolving consumption patterns and an increased focus on societal well-being, supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The expansion of care services and entertainment demonstrates a response to new consumer demands.

• Aged Care Services: Increased demand in this area contributes directly to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages (SDG 3).
• Pet Care Industry: This segment’s growth is linked to “an upgrade in household consumption and rising emotional spending,” reflecting shifts in consumption patterns (SDG 12) and a focus on emotional well-being (SDG 3).
  • Overall job postings in the pet industry rose by 43.7% year-on-year.
  • Demand for veterinarians saw a significant increase of 128.2%.
  • Job openings for pet groomers grew by 67.3%.
• Entertainment Sector: The production of short dramas creates new job opportunities through emerging consumption scenarios.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article highlights issues related to employment, economic growth, and industrial development, which directly connect to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – This goal is central to the article, which discusses employment trends, job market growth in specific sectors, and the overall urban unemployment rate in China. The focus on job creation in advanced manufacturing and modern services directly relates to promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth and productive employment.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The article emphasizes the role of “advanced manufacturing,” “industrial upgrading,” and growth in “AI and other frontier sectors.” This aligns with SDG 9’s aim to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. The growth in the “new materials sector” is a specific example of this.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

1. Under SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.2: “Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation…” The article directly supports this by mentioning that growth is powered by “advanced manufacturing” and that “talent demand… closely followed China’s industrial upgrading.” The rise of new service industries like pet care also points to economic diversification.
   • Target 8.5: “By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all…” The entire article revolves around employment trends, job postings, and the national unemployment rate. The discussion of a “sluggish Chinese job market” versus “pockets of growth” directly relates to the challenge of achieving full and productive employment.
2. Under SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.2: “Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment…” The article’s focus on the “new materials sector” leading employment categories with a “66.7 per cent year-on-year increase in job postings” is a clear example of growth in industrial employment.
   • Target 9.5: “Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors… encouraging innovation…” The mention of “steady growth in AI and other frontier sectors” and the demand for “high-end technical talent” implies a focus on upgrading technological capabilities and fostering innovation within the industry.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions and implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Unemployment Rate (Indicator for Target 8.5): The article explicitly states, “China’s urban unemployment rate remained stable at 5.2 per cent in September.” This is a direct measure corresponding to the official SDG indicator 8.5.2 (Unemployment rate).
• Growth in Job Postings by Sector (Indicator for Targets 8.2 and 9.2): The article provides specific data points that serve as proxy indicators for economic diversification and industrial employment growth. Examples include:
  • A “66.7 per cent year-on-year increase in job postings” in the new materials sector.
  • A “43.7 per cent year on year” jump in job postings in the pet care industry.

  These figures measure the rate of change in labor demand within specific, high-growth, and innovative sectors.

• Demand for High-Skilled Labor (Implied Indicator for Target 9.5): The article implies an increase in innovation and technological upgrading by noting that “Advanced manufacturing is driving demand for high-end technical talent.” The specific data on the demand for veterinarians (up 128.2 per cent) also points to a demand for specialized skills, which is an indirect measure of sectoral development and innovation.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: scmp.com