How US Tariffs Are Making Refurbished IT the Smart Buy in 2026

New US tariffs are reshaping the cost of electronics. And for anyone who buys or trades refurbished IT equipment, that is a significant shift worth understanding.

Since the start of 2026, a 25% tariff on advanced computer chips has taken effect. Tariffs on lithium-ion batteries and battery components imported from China rose from 7.5% to 25% in 2026, part of a broader set of Section 301 duties targeting Chinese manufacturing. The US Supreme Court struck down most broad IEEPA-based tariffs in February 2026. President Trump quickly replaced them with a 10% Section 122 surcharge, but electronics are explicitly excluded from that levy. The net effect: advanced chip tariffs and battery duties remain in force, but the feared blanket electronics tariff did not survive legal scrutiny. The result: new laptops, phones, and servers are becoming more expensive across the board.

For procurement managers, IT asset managers, and ITAD operators, this creates both a challenge and a window.

Why Tariffs on New Electronics Drive Demand for Refurbished IT

When the price of new hardware rises, organisations look for alternatives. That is already happening.

Companies that would normally refresh hardware on a three-year cycle are extending to four or five years. Those that have been on the fence about sourcing refurbished devices are now moving faster. IT departments are asking ITAD providers for more certified-grade stock, not less.

This is not just a cost-cutting exercise. It is a structural shift. When a new mid-range laptop costs 20-30% more because of component tariffs, a certified refurbished unit of the same spec starts to look like the obvious answer, not a compromise.

For resellers and ITAD operators, this is a demand signal. Corporate buyers who previously dismissed the secondary market are now actively requesting pricing. That changes the conversation.

What the Market Looks Like Right Now

Our database tracks over 35,000 refurbished products across 27 countries, sourced from more than 140 platforms. Here is what we are seeing in early 2026.

Supply of generation-2 to generation-4 enterprise laptops, such as the Dell Latitude 5000-7000 series and HP EliteBook 800 series, remains strong. These are devices that were enterprise-standard two or three years ago and are now flowing into the secondary market from corporate refresh cycles. Prices are competitive. Quality grades are high.

The laptop category is where we see the most consistent pricing across Europe, particularly for grade A and B units from German and Dutch platforms.

For mobile devices, supply of iPhone 12 to 14 and Samsung Galaxy S21 to S23 is steady across most major markets. Price points have stabilised after the post-peak correction that followed the iPhone 16 launch cycle.

Enterprise categories, particularly networking equipment and servers, are seeing growing interest. New Cisco, Fortinet, and HP networking gear is subject to the same tariff pressure as consumer devices, so buyers are looking to the secondary market for infrastructure upgrades.

The EU Right to Repair Directive Adds a Long-Term Tailwind

Beyond tariffs, a structural regulatory shift is approaching for European buyers.

The EU Right to Repair Directive must be written into national law across all EU countries by July 2026. Under the directive, manufacturers must make spare parts available at reasonable prices, provide repair services within a reasonable timeframe, and must not use software or hardware limitations to block independent repair. For smartphones, key components such as batteries and display assemblies must remain available for at least seven years after a model is discontinued.

This legislation was designed to reduce electronic waste. But it also has a direct impact on the economics of the secondary market.

When spare parts must be available for longer, the total addressable lifespan of a device extends. That increases the residual value of refurbished stock. It also reduces the risk for buyers of refurbished devices, because repair options are legally guaranteed.

For ITAD operators, this is an important development. Devices with longer support lifecycles and guaranteed parts availability are easier to sell, easier to certify, and hold value better. The regulatory environment is shifting in favour of the secondary market.

What Procurement Managers Should Do Now

If you buy IT equipment for a business, now is a good time to review your sourcing strategy.

Extend your refresh cycle where possible. If your current laptops are performing adequately, there is no urgency to replace them with new hardware at tariff-inflated prices.

Build a relationship with a reliable refurbished supplier. The best-grade refurbished stock moves quickly. Buyers who have established agreements with ITAD operators or certified resellers get access before the open market does.

Use price data to time purchases. Refurbished prices are not fixed. They move with supply cycles, launch events, and market demand. Monitoring price trends across multiple sources helps you buy at the right moment.

Consider enterprise categories beyond devices. Networking infrastructure, servers, and storage hardware are subject to the same tariff pressures as consumer devices, and the secondary market for these categories is deep and well-supplied.

What to Watch in Q2 2026

Three things are worth monitoring in the coming months.

First, the tariff situation is not settled. US trade policy is still evolving. Further changes to tariff rates or exemptions could affect new hardware pricing in either direction.

Second, the spring corporate refresh cycle is beginning. This is when large volumes of off-lease equipment re-enter the market. It typically creates a short window of high supply and lower prices, particularly for laptops.

Third, the EU Right to Repair Directive deadline in July will prompt manufacturers to make compliance changes. There may be a rush of certain device models hitting the secondary market before manufacturers adjust their product lines.

These three factors together suggest that Q2 2026 will be an active period in the secondary market, with clear opportunities for buyers who are watching the right data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the current US tariffs on electronics in 2026? As of early 2026, a 25% tariff applies to advanced computer chips (Section 232, effective January 15, 2026). Tariffs on lithium-ion batteries and components from China increased to 25% under Section 301. The Supreme Court struck down broader IEEPA-based tariffs in February, though a new 10% Section 122 surcharge was introduced. Electronics are exempt from that surcharge. Net effect: component-level costs for new hardware have risen, but there is no blanket tariff on imported consumer electronics.

Does the EU Right to Repair Directive affect refurbished device buyers? Yes, indirectly. The directive, which becomes law across EU countries by July 2026, requires manufacturers to make spare parts available at least seven years after a device model is discontinued. This extends the practical lifespan of devices and reduces the risk for buyers of refurbished hardware, because repair options are legally guaranteed for longer.

Where do I find reliable price data for refurbished IT equipment? Most buyers currently track prices manually across a small number of platforms. ITADpricing aggregates pricing data from 140+ refurbished marketplaces across 27 countries and makes it available as structured intelligence for ITAD operators and procurement teams. Sign up at itadpricing.com for early access.

Is now a good time to buy refurbished IT equipment? The market conditions in early 2026 favour buyers. New hardware is more expensive due to tariffs. Supply of quality refurbished enterprise laptops and mobile devices is strong. And the EU regulatory environment is improving the long-term value proposition of the secondary market. Buyers who are watching price data across multiple sources are well-positioned to act on buying windows as they emerge.