^{Source: Windows Central}

The Trade Tensions That Sparked a Tech Rush

Amid mounting U.S.-China trade tensions, many American companies have sounded the alarm over President Donald Trump's tariff policies, warning of soaring costs and price hikes for consumers. But while some industries brace for financial strain, others are witnessing an unexpected surge.

Thibaud Hug de Larauze, co-founder and CEO of Back Market, a top online marketplace for refurbished electronics, says his company’s U.S. sales tripled in just one week after Trump announced a sweeping tariff package. His takeaway? This could mark a major turning point in how Americans shop for big-ticket tech.

Section 1: Why Back Market’s Sales Exploded Overnight

Back Market’s boom wasn’t random. It was fueled by panic buying and preemptive shopping, especially among Americans trying to sidestep the impact of looming tariffs.

“People rushed to buy smartphones and laptops ahead of expected price spikes,” said Hug de Larauze in an interview. “We saw an unprecedented sales spike, especially in Apple and Samsung devices.”

According to Reuters and Commerce Department data, consumer fears were justified. Trump’s tariff rollout included up to a 145% duty on electronics imported from China—a country that produces over 80% of the world’s smartphones and laptops. Although an April 11th announcement temporarily exempted certain items, a follow-up warned that device-specific tariffs could hit as early as May.

Section 2: A New Era for Refurbished Electronics?

For Hug de Larauze, this is more than a sales bump—it’s a massive behavioral shift in the making.

“The economic incentive has never been this strong. Americans are finally realizing they can get quality tech without paying premium prices,” he said.

Historically, Back Market has sold only one-third of its global inventory in the U.S. However, Hug de Larauze projects that figure may soon flip:

“With these tariffs, I wouldn’t be surprised if two-thirds of our sales end up being U.S.-based, because consumers will be actively looking for cheaper alternatives.”

Section 3: Analysts Weigh In – What Comes Next?

Tech industry experts echo this sentiment. Dan Ives, Global Head of Technology Research at Wedbush Securities, notes that extended tariffs could result in a "massive surge" in short-term refurbished device sales, especially if big players like Apple hike prices.

“We’re talking about a potential $200 to $400 price increase per device if these tariffs go through,” Ives said. “That’s enough to make even the most loyal Apple customer think twice.”

Ives does caution, however, that this change might be temporary:

“We believe that 80% to 90% of U.S. consumers still prefer new devices, and once the economic tension eases, many will go back to what’s familiar.”

Still, even a short-term shift could spell billions in opportunity for companies in the secondary market.

Section 4: Market Numbers and Opportunity Outlook

• U.S. smartphone users: Over 310 million
• Average smartphone replacement cycle: 2.5 years
• Potential addressable refurbished tech market (U.S. only): $30–40 billion annually
• Back Market's recent growth: 3x spike in one week, attributed to tariff fears

If even 20% of new device buyers opt for refurbished instead, the market could shift dramatically—potentially resulting in a multi-billion-dollar redistribution of consumer spending.

Section 5: What This Means for U.S. Consumers

Trump’s aggressive trade stance may have been aimed at correcting trade imbalances, but it has inadvertently sparked a consumer awakening. Americans are starting to question whether brand-new tech is worth the price—especially when tariffs drive those prices even higher.

And with refurbished markets now offering warranties, certified quality checks, and steep discounts, the argument for buying new is becoming less compelling.

A Crossroads for Tech Consumption

While the full impact of the tariffs remains uncertain—regulations could change overnight—the ripple effects are already being felt. For companies like Back Market, this could be the beginning of a long-term shift in buying behavior, driven by economic pressure and greater awareness of sustainable alternatives.

“People care more about cost-efficiency and sustainability than ever before,” Hug de Larauze said. “And we’re just getting started.”

As the world watches the tariff tug-of-war play out, one thing is clear: the way Americans buy tech may never be the same again.

‍