Chile’s Jobless Rate Climbs to 8.9% in March, Signaling Softening Labor Market

Chile’s unemployment rate rose to 8.9% in March 2026, up from 8.3% in February, underscoring renewed pressure in the labor market as the year progresses. The latest figure, updated on 29 April 2026, marks a 0.6 percentage point increase over the previous month.

The uptick suggests that hiring momentum may be slowing, with more people actively seeking work relative to those employed. While the data does not provide sector-specific details, the move higher in the headline rate will likely draw attention from policymakers and investors monitoring the strength of domestic demand and the broader economic outlook.

Market participants will be watching upcoming labor releases closely to assess whether March’s rise is a temporary fluctuation or the start of a more persistent trend in Chile’s unemployment trajectory.