Panneau d’embauche dans un magasin Target en Californie

The growth of employment in the United States rebounded more than expected in March, thanks to the end of a healthcare professionals strike and improved weather conditions, while the unemployment rate slightly dropped, data released on Friday by the Labor Department showed.

The US government’s report listed 178,000 non-farm jobs created in the month, while economists surveyed by Reuters had on average predicted 60,000 net job creations.

The February figure was significantly revised downward, now showing 133,000 jobs lost compared to the initial estimate of 92,000.

The unemployment rate in March stood at 4.3% after 4.4% in February, contrary to the expected stability.

However, risks to employment are increasing amid concerns about the economic repercussions of the ongoing tensions with Iran, the outcome of which remains uncertain.

The US labor market has been rattled for some time by uncertainty, starting with massive tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on major global economies in spring 2025.

The military operation launched by the US and Israel against Iran at the end of February added to recent turbulence, causing a surge in global oil prices and a rise in gasoline prices in the US market.

According to economists, this conflict adds further uncertainty for businesses, and the labor market is expected to feel the consequences during the current second quarter.

The increase in energy prices may lead to overall inflation and a decline in household purchasing power, slowing down spending and potentially harming business activity.

(Lucia Mutikani, reported by Diana Mandiñ, edited by Augustin Turpin)