US tech giant Amazon says it plans to cut more than 18,000 jobs -- far more than previously reported.

Media said in November that Amazon was planning to lay off about 10,000 people.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said in a public staff note on Wednesday that the company reviewed the plan. He added, "This year's review has been more difficult given the uncertain economy and that we've hired rapidly over the last several years."

Jassy said it was a difficult decision, but that the company now plans to cut just over 18,000 jobs.

He added that the decision will help the firm pursue its long-term opportunities with a stronger cost structure.

Amazon's announcement is the latest of a series of job cuts in the US tech industry.

There are growing concerns that sharp interest rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve could dampen economic activity.