Cyclical unemployment is associated with trade fluctuations. This type of unemployment occurs as a result of changes in the business cycle, where there is a decline in economic activity resulting in decreased demand for labor. During an economic downturn, businesses reduce production and lay off workers, resulting in cyclical unemployment. As the economy recovers, businesses increase production and hire more workers, reducing cyclical unemployment. Thus, cyclical unemployment is closely tied to the ups and downs of the business cycle.