CCS Insight reports that Q1 2025 marked a shift in momentum for the organized second-hand smartphone market. After years of consistent growth, several European countries saw sales fall. France experienced an 11% drop in device shipments, while the Netherlands and the UK saw declines of 7% and 3%, respectively. Poor retail performance and forward-shifted demand due to aggressive 2024 promotions contributed to the slow start.
Global pressures and local challenges
This dip isn’t limited to Europe. In China, government-backed subsidies on new smartphones reduced secondary sales by 3%. The US market fell 2%, partly due to economic concerns and the looming impact of tariffs introduced in April by President Trump. India’s market shrank 6% as sales shifted offline and Amazon Renewed ceased operations, reducing consumer trust.
Trade-in innovations gain momentum
Despite challenges, trade-in innovation continues. Samsung’s UK buyback offer on the Galaxy S25 Edge promises 50% resale value. French players Dipli and Recommerce launched forward trade-in programmes. In India, Flipkart partnered with Nothing and Cashify with OnePlus to boost trade-in supply.
Margins tighten, but hope remains
With resale prices lagging behind rising trade-in values, profit margins are under pressure. Still, higher-quality trade-ins could boost resale prices and drive premium device adoption in the secondary market.
Outlook driven by structural shifts
In India, Apple’s partnership with Tata for local Apple iPhone repairs could pave the way for Apple Certified refurbished smartphones. Meanwhile, European retailers like Worten, MediaMarkt and Rebuy are internalizing refurbishment to gain control over quality and supply.
Recovery expected later this year
While Q1 2025 was tough, CCS Insight expects the second-hand smartphone market to bounce back as new trade-in schemes and supply chain improvements begin to take hold.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
