Mexico Achieves Second Lowest Global Unemployment Rate at 2.6% in October

Mexico's Unemployment Rate Reaches Near-Record Low

Mexico's unemployment rate stood at a notable 2.6% in October 2025, according to figures released by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). This achievement positions Mexico as having the second-lowest unemployment rate globally for the period, a significant economic indicator.

The official data indicates that this rate places Mexico just behind Japan, which also recorded an unemployment rate of 2.6% as of October. This near-record low for Mexico underscores a resilient labor market amidst global economic fluctuations. The rate for October 2025 was slightly higher than the 2.5% recorded in the corresponding period of the previous year but marked a decrease from 3.0% in September 2025.

Official Statements and Economic Context

President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted this economic milestone, announcing that 'Mexico now ranks as the country with the second-lowest unemployment rate in the world.' She emphasized that these figures are tangible results of her administration's economic and labor policies, framing the data as evidence that Mexico's economic model is strengthening employment and stability.

The number of unemployed individuals in Mexico in October 2025 was approximately 1.6 million, an increase of 96,000 year-on-year. This was offset by a substantial increase in net jobs, contributing to a total employed population of 60.9 million. The economically active population, comprising individuals aged 15 and over who are employed or actively seeking work, reached 62.5 million in October, an increase of 1.1 million compared to October 2024.

Labor Market Dynamics and Future Outlook

While the low unemployment rate is a positive sign, the Mexican labor market continues to exhibit complex dynamics. The informality rate in October 2025 was reported at 55.7%, an increase from 54.1% in October 2024, with 33.9 million people employed in the informal sector. This high level of informality is a long-standing characteristic of Mexico's labor landscape, influencing the interpretation of unemployment statistics.

Despite some softening in the labor market observed in November 2025, with the unemployment rate inching up to 2.7%, the overall trend for 2025 has demonstrated significant job creation and a robust employment environment. The government's focus on economic growth and labor participation remains a central pillar of its national development agenda, aiming to sustain these positive trends into the future.