The global technology sector has recorded 30,700+ layoffs in just over one month of 2026, signaling acceleration in AI-driven restructuring.

According to RationalFX (based on TrueUp, TechCrunch, WARN filings):

• 30,700+ global layoffs (Jan–Feb 2026)
• Could reach 273,000 by year-end
• Nearly 1 million tech jobs lost since 2021

1. Worst Hit Countries in 2026

🇺🇸 United States - 24,600 layoffs (≈ 80% of total)

The US accounts for over four-fifths of global reductions.

Drivers:
• Corporate restructuring
• AI automation adoption
• Cloud investment shift
• Cost discipline amid high rates

🇸🇪 Sweden - 1,900 layoffs

Primarily driven by Ericsson restructuring amid slower 5G demand.

🇳🇱 Netherlands - 1,700 layoffs

Mostly linked to ASML management and technical restructuring despite record sales.

🇮🇳 India - 920 layoffs

Though smaller in total, India remains vulnerable to:

• Global outsourcing slowdown
• SaaS contraction
• Venture funding compression

🇮🇱 Israel - 774 layoffs

AI consolidation impacting startup ecosystem.

2. Major Companies Leading Cuts

 Amazon - 16,000 new layoffs

Amazon

• 16,000 cuts (Jan 2026)
• 14,000 cuts (Oct 2025)
• Revenue: $716.9 billion
• 2026 CapEx: Near $200 billion (AI + Cloud focus)

Strategic shift toward:

• AI infrastructure
• Automation layers
• Lean management structure

 Meta - 1,000+ layoffs

Meta

Reality Labs division downsizing as AI becomes priority over metaverse spending.

 Block - 1,100 layoffs

Block

Streamlining operations amid fintech margin compression.

 Salesforce & Autodesk - ~1,000 each

Salesforce
Autodesk

Focus shift toward enterprise AI platforms.

3. City-Level Impact

 Seattle - 16,500+ layoffs

Largest concentration globally due to Amazon headquarters impact.

 San Francisco & Menlo Park

Traditional innovation hubs absorbing structural employment shock.

4. Why Layoffs Are Accelerating

 AI Productivity Shift

Companies are:

• Automating routine roles
• Reducing middle management layers
• Prioritizing AI engineers & data scientists

AI systems now replace:

• Customer support functions
• Corporate process roles
• Basic coding tasks

 Post-Pandemic Correction

Tech expanded aggressively 2020–2022.
Now correcting excess hiring.

 High Capital Intensity

AI infrastructure costs are massive:

• Nvidia GPU demand surge
• Data center buildout
• Cloud scaling

Companies redirect payroll toward capex.

5. Nearly 1 Million Jobs Lost Since 2021

Since the tech correction began:

• ~1,000,000 tech jobs eliminated globally
• 2023: ~245,000 layoffs
• 2026 projection: ~273,000

Trend is structural, not cyclical.

6. What Roles Are Still Hiring?

Growing demand in:

• AI engineering
• Data science
• Machine learning
• Cybersecurity
• Cloud architecture

Declining demand in:

• Admin operations
• HR middle layers
• Routine SaaS roles
• Support teams

7. Broader Economic Implications

 Labor Market Impact

US unemployment currently ~4.3%.
Tech layoffs not yet systemic economy-wide.

 Wage Polarization Risk

High-end AI specialists see salary growth.
Mid-level roles face pressure.

 Geographic Shift

Emerging hubs may gain:

• Singapore
• UAE
• India AI centers
• Eastern Europe

 Outlook for 2026

If current pace continues:

• Layoffs may exceed 2023 totals
• Corporate structures become leaner
• AI adoption accelerates further

Tech industry entering “efficiency era” rather than growth-at-all-costs model.