In a surprise move, the Trump administration has granted tariff exemptions for smartphones, laptops, and other electronics mostly imported from China. The decision offers major relief to American tech giants such as Apple, Nvidia, and Dell, and will also impact the global secondary mobile market, which had braced for significant disruption.
Initial fears over tighter supply
This latest announcement is set to significantly impact the global secondary mobile market. Previously, with higher tariffs still in place, we expected a tighter supply that would drive prices up. The reasoning was that used and refurbished devices would become more attractive as affordable alternatives to new ones, especially as primary market sales slowed down. Fewer new devices sold would naturally lead to fewer trade-ins, reducing supply.
Exemptions prevent major price hikes
SecondaryMarket.news now expects only minimal price increases in the used and refurbished sector. With continued access to trade-ins from the primary market, companies dealing in circular tech can maintain a steady inventory. This ensures refurbished Apple iPhones and other high-demand devices remain an affordable alternative.
Smartphones top the exemption list
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s guidance outlines 20 product categories now spared from 125% tariffs on Chinese imports. Notably, smartphones—representing nearly € 39 billion in 2024 U.S. imports—are among them. Devices will still face a reduced 20% levy, linked to broader U.S.-China policy on fentanyl control.
Apple still reliant on China
While Apple has diversified manufacturing to India and Vietnam, the majority of its Apple iPhone, Mac, and iPad production still happens in China. Recent efforts to airlift 600 tons of iPhones from India ahead of the previous tariff deadline demonstrate the urgency and scale of this issue for the company.
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