Chemical giant Dow Inc. announced Thursday it will eliminate about 4,500 positions worldwide to prioritize artificial intelligence and automation, part of a push to simplify operations and reduce costs.
The Midland, Michigan-based company, with roughly 34,600 employees globally, expects severance expenses between $600 million and $800 million tied to the reductions. Dow’s stock dropped 2% in premarket trading.
This follows earlier moves: In January 2025, executives targeted $1 billion in savings with around 1,500 global cuts. In July, three European facilities were shuttered, affecting 800 workers.
The announcement comes amid a wave of layoffs across industries this week, as companies cite economic pressures and increased AI investment. U.S. hiring slowed sharply, adding just 50,000 jobs last month compared to a revised 56,000 in November, amid stagnant growth and “no-hire, no-fire” corporate caution.
Rising expenses, including those from President Donald Trump’s tariffs, along with changing consumer habits, have prompted restructurings. Consumer confidence in the economy has sunk to its lowest since 2014, as firms redirect funds to AI amid broader shifts.
A World Economic Forum survey last year projected 41% of global companies might shrink workforces over five years due to AI, while roles in big data, fintech, and AI could double by 2030.
Dow’s cuts join others in 2026, following extensive reductions last year at firms like Amazon, as previously reported by The Dallas Express, Meta, Paramount, and Starbucks.
- Amazon, which revealed in January it would shed 16,000 corporate positions globally, marking its second major round since October’s 14,000 eliminations.
- Angi, formerly Angie’s List, which disclosed 350 reductions in a January SEC filing “to reduce operating expenses and optimize the organizational structure in support of long-term growth” and “in light of AI-driven efficiency improvements.” The move is set to save $70 million to $80 million annually but cost $22 million to $30 million upfront.
- Citi, continuing a 10% workforce trim — equating to 20,000 roles — with further headcount drops this year. A spokesperson said: “These changes reflect adjustments we’re making to ensure our staffing levels, locations and expertise align with current business needs.” The plan, outlined in 2024 earnings, could yield up to $2.5 billion in savings.
- Expedia Group, which confirmed on January 26 it was axing some positions while adding others, though the net impact remains unclear. A spokesperson stated: “We are eliminating roles as well as opening some new roles as we remain disciplined about assessing the skills we need for the future. We are also simplifying our structure and reducing organizational layers to move faster and with more accountability. These are not easy decisions, and we are grateful for the contributions of our colleagues who are impacted.”
- Lululemon, which let go 100 part-time staff at its North American contact center to “strengthen the business.” A spokesperson explained: “After careful consideration, we have made the decision to transition our North America GEC to a full-time employee staffing model. As a result, approximately 100 part-time positions in our GEC have been impacted.”
- Meta, gearing up for reductions in its Reality Labs unit, potentially hitting 10% to 15% of 15,000 staff, with VR headset and Horizon Worlds teams heavily affected, sources said. CTO Andrew Bosworth termed an upcoming division meeting the “most important” of the year.
- Nike, planning to dismiss 775 workers at Tennessee and Mississippi warehouses to “streamline” distribution. The company said: “We are sharpening our supply chain footprint, accelerating the use of advanced technology and automation, and investing in the skills our teams need for the future.”
- Pinterest, implementing a global overhaul affecting under 15% of employees, alongside office space cuts, to advance an “AI-forward strategy.” A spokesperson noted: “We are making organizational changes to further deliver on our AI-forward strategy, which includes hiring AI-proficient talent. As a result, we’ve made the difficult decision to say goodbye to some of our team members. We are grateful for their service and supporting them with separation packages and benefits.”
- Saks, closing a Florida facility and cutting at least 74 jobs between March 27 and April 30 after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. It described the step as a “strategic decision to close operations at the Southeast Service Center (SESC) and shift current SESC capabilities to our stores and alternate Saks Global fulfillment centers, which are well-equipped to manage this additional work.”
- T-Mobile, which reduced unspecified staff in early 2026, with some employees sharing impacts online. The carrier said: “As the next step in our evolution, we’re making some changes while continuing to hire to ensure we have the right focus, structure, and momentum to keep changing the industry through innovation and our long-standing focus on customers.”
- Tailwind, a web tool, which slashed three of its four engineers in January due to AI’s toll on revenue. CEO Adam Wathan wrote: “75% of the people on our engineering team lost their jobs here yesterday because of the brutal impact AI has had on our business.”
- UPS, aiming to shed 30,000 operational roles through attrition and a voluntary separation program for full-time drivers. CEO Brian Dykes said: “This will be accomplished through attrition, and we expect to offer a second voluntary separation program for full-time drivers.” The firm has flagged 24 building closures in the first half of 2026, with more under review.
More than 100 companies, from Amazon to Nike to Verizon, have filed WARN notices for 2026 cuts, some extending prior plans, per WARN Tracker.
