Kaohsiung's Unemployment Rate at 3.2% in First Half of 2026! Lowest Among Six Major Cities for Second Consecutive Year, Employment Gains from Industrial Transformation Evident

According to the latest statistics released by the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, Executive Yuan, Kaohsiung City recorded an unemployment rate of 3.2% in the first half of 2026, continuing its performance from the same period in 2025 and maintaining the lowest rate among the six major cities. The Kaohsiung City Government stated that its ongoing efforts in investment promotion, industrial upgrading, and employment initiatives have gradually yielded results. With sustained investments in semiconductor and high-tech industries, more diverse employment opportunities have been created, stabilizing the labor market.

The city government highlighted that in recent years, it has prioritized "investment attraction and job creation" by optimizing the investment environment, advancing industrial transformation, and improving infrastructure, successfully encouraging continuous domestic and foreign investments in Kaohsiung. In particular, the semiconductor and related high-tech industry clusters are taking shape, enhancing industrial competitiveness while generating more promising job opportunities.

The Department of Labor emphasized that, in response to evolving industry demands, it continues to provide diversified employment services, including vocational training, skills development, job matching, and career counseling, to help workers enhance their professional capabilities. The department also collaborates with enterprises on customized recruitment events to improve the efficiency of connecting job seekers with employers.

Additionally, the city has introduced employment incentives and support programs targeting youth, middle-aged and older workers, and women, aiming to boost labor force participation and employment stability, helping more citizens successfully enter the workforce.

Kaohsiung's Labor Bureau Director, Chiang Chien-hsing, stated that under the continuous promotion of industrial transformation, investment attraction, and employment service policies by Mayor Chen Chi-mai and the city administration, Kaohsiung achieved its lowest unemployment rate in the first half of 2025 since the city-county merger. In the first half of 2026, the rate remained at 3.2%, securing the lowest position among the six major cities. This reflects the gradual effectiveness of Kaohsiung's industrial development and employment policies.

Chiang noted that in response to rapid industrial changes and shifting labor market demands, the Labor Bureau will continue to strengthen its employment service capacity, deepen the linkage between industries, vocational training, and job placement, and provide more precise and diversified employment support. By working with enterprises, the city aims to build a more competitive and resilient labor market, enabling citizens to work with confidence and live fulfilling lives.