FX.co ★ Macau Unemployment Rate Hits 1-Year High

Macau’s unemployment rate rose to 2.0% in August 2026 from 1.9% in July, marking the highest level since August 2025. The number of unemployed persons decreased by about 500 from the previous month to 5,900, while total employment fell by 800 to 375,900.

The labour force participation rate edged down to 66.7% from 66.8%, as the labour force shrank by 400 to 383,400. At the same time, the general underemployment rate eased to 1.5% from 1.7% in July.

By sector, gaming remained the largest employer, accounting for 61.7% of employed residents, followed by wholesale and retail trade (35.6%), real estate and business activities (23.5%), hotels and similar activities (18.4%), and transport and storage (16.1%).