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Did AI really cause job losses at Amazon? It's hard to tell, economist says

Is AI really to blame for the job losses at Amazon?

euronews.com

February 2, 2026

2 min read

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Summary

Amazon announced layoffs of 16,000 employees, attributing the decision to "efficiency gains" from artificial intelligence. Economists caution that it is uncertain whether AI is directly responsible for these job losses, as firms may take time to adapt to changes in work flows.

Key Takeaways

Amazon announced layoffs of 16,000 employees, citing "efficiency gains" from AI as a reason for the cuts.
Economists, including Karan Girotra, indicate it is difficult to determine if AI is directly responsible for job losses, suggesting that adjustments in management structures take time.
A Goldman Sachs report states that AI's overall impact on the labor market remains limited, with few layoffs attributed to AI since December 2025.
Amazon's layoffs are part of a broader reduction in workforce, including cuts to 5,000 retail positions, and may also reflect a scaling back from overhiring during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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