TAIPEI -- A poorer-than-expected manufacturing outlook drove Taiwan's unemployment rate up to 4.31 percent in July, with the jobless population reaching 490,000 people, the island's statistical authorities said Wednesday.

The authorities cited a loss of seasonal jobs and the closure of multiple businesses as the reasons behind the increase.

Chen Min, an official with the island's statistical agency, said the increased unemployment rate in July was the result of additional labor entering the market, adding that the trend could continue through August.

Chen said the unemployment rate will decline to a normal level in September as a result of stable economic growth, adding that the next month will be "rather important."

Chen said manufacturers have only been able to provide a limited number of jobs due to poor performance.

The jobless rate among young Taiwanese reached 12.96 percent, up by 0.6 percent compared to June, as many new college grads have begun to look for jobs.