The market for used smartphones is in full expansion and promises to grow even more in Brazil, monitoring the international scenario. Flávio Peres, CEO of Trocafone, leader in the buying and selling of used smartphones in the country, highlights that the sector has the potential to double in size in the coming years, following global trends
"The average Brazilian would need four salaries to buy a new iPhone". That's why, "a second-hand phone makes a lot of economic sense", highlights Peres
Pioneer in the segment, Trocafone analyses the growth of the sector driven by the high cost of new appliances and consumers' search for more affordable alternatives
Impact of tariffs on electronics
Donald Trump made it official., At the beginning of this month, its plan to impose 10% tariffs on imports from China, directly affecting Chinese smartphone companies, like Xiaomi, And the supply chain of brands like Apple and Motorola. A study by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) already projected that this measure could raise smartphone prices by up to $305., While laptops and tablets could suffer surcharges of up to $540. According to the CEO of Trocafone, the implementation of tariffs;, especially on Chinese products, will have a global impact, making new mobile phone launches even less affordable and boosting demand for semi-new and refurbished models
With the cost of new smartphones rising, the trend is for more consumers to opt for semi-new and refurbished models, offering excellent cost-effectiveness and promoting digital inclusion. Furthermore, it is a sustainable alternative that extends the life cycle of appliances;, says Flávio Peres
Growing demand and market opportunity
The refurbishment of smartphones, involving the purchase of, repair and resale of used devices, It's already a global phenomenon.. According toIDC, More than 195 million units of used smartphones were sold in 2023 worldwide., a 6 increase,4% compared to 2022, with an estimated market value of US$72,9 billion. This number is projected to reach 257 million units by 2028, growing at a compound annual rate (CAGR) of 5,7% – more than double the market for new smartphones, that grows at a rate of 2,8%
Companies such as Back Market (France), Swappie (Finland) and Cashify (India) are growing rapidly. Latin America is already the second region with the highest sales growth worldwide in smartphone resale, with an increase of 18% in 2023, behind only the Indian market, which grew by 19%, according to theCounterpoint Research.
In Brazil, the semi-new market still has great potential for growth. Currently, The penetration of refurbished smartphones in the country is only 3,3%, well below the 26% of North America, according to Trocafone. There is still plenty of room for the Brazilian market to keep up with this pace of growth., This is mainly due to the need for more information on the advantages, Both when choosing a semi-new model, How to ensure extra income from the sale of appliances kept at home, explains Peres
Furthermore, The used smartphone market is becoming more structured and reliable., with the offer of refurbished devices with a fiscal note, guarantee and excellent state of preservation. This is an essential differentiator for those looking for a quality mobile phone at a more affordable price., while ensuring the safety of the process
