They noted that last year's improvement was "aided" by a different way of recording the status of the jobless, as a result of which a significant number were struck from records.
The HGK said the registered unemployment rate last year decreased minimally, remaining close to 20%.
The Croatian Employment Service said on Friday there were 316,763 jobless at the end of last year, up 1.4% on the month but down 12.8% on the year.
The HGK expects unemployment to continue to rise month on month until March, when new hiring will begin in preparation for the summer tourist season.