Amazon(US:AMZN) Zhong Guo Jing Ying Bao·2026-01-30 14:43Core Insights - The wave of layoffs in the tech industry, driven by AI advancements, is reshaping organizational structures and strategies, with Amazon leading the charge by announcing a reduction of approximately 16,000 positions in its China offices, following a previous cut of 14,000 in October 2025, totaling 30,000 employees or nearly 10% of its global workforce, marking the largest layoffs in its 30-year history [2][5] Group 1: Layoff Trends - The latest round of layoffs at Amazon primarily targets corporate functions, with significant cuts in HR and AWS administrative roles, as AI can now automate tasks such as resume screening and performance tracking, reducing recruitment cycles by 60% [3][5] - The layoffs reflect a shift from traditional performance-based criteria to a more functional approach, with even high-performing employees being affected, indicating a fundamental change in how companies assess workforce needs [3][5] Group 2: AI Investment and Strategy - Amazon's investment in AI surpassed $150 billion in 2025, marking the first time it exceeded human labor costs, signifying a shift in corporate financial logic from "human-centric" to "AI-centric" [5][6] - The trend of AI-driven layoffs is not isolated to Amazon; major companies like IBM, Microsoft, and Meta have also implemented significant workforce reductions, with IBM cutting 8,000 jobs and Microsoft reducing document processing roles by 30% due to AI integration [5][6] Group 3: Broader Industry Implications - The ongoing layoffs are indicative of a structural transformation in the tech industry, with AI targeting roles in HR, administration, and repetitive technical jobs, leading to a shrinking job market for entry-level programmers and white-collar positions [6] - Despite the risks, new opportunities are emerging, such as AI trainers and management roles, with demand for professionals who can effectively leverage AI technologies increasing significantly [6]