Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-08-01 08:26Core Insights - The article highlights a significant increase in layoffs in the U.S. during July, particularly in the technology sector, which has exceeded the average levels seen since the pandemic began [1][3] Group 1: Layoff Statistics - In July, U.S. companies announced layoffs totaling 62,075 employees, a substantial increase from 25,900 employees in the same month last year [1] - This figure represents the second-highest total for July in the past decade, only surpassed by the peak during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 [1] Group 2: Reasons for Layoffs - Companies attribute the layoffs primarily to pressures from artificial intelligence advancements and tariffs [3] - Economic uncertainty has negatively impacted the retail sector, leading some businesses to close stores and reduce their workforce [3] Group 3: Sector-Specific Layoffs - Major technology firms have recently announced significant layoffs, with Intel planning to cut 15% of its workforce and Microsoft initiating its second round of layoffs this year, affecting 9,000 employees [3] - The automotive industry has also seen an increase in layoffs, primarily due to tariff-related pressures [3] - Non-profit and healthcare sectors, which rely on government contracts, have experienced rising layoffs due to federal budget cuts [3]