Japanese consumers and businesses are increasingly purchasing used smartphones and IT equipment as a result of soaring memory prices and a weak yen, which have driven up the cost of new electronics. Sales of refurbished iPhones, particularly older models like the SE, have more than doubled year on year following Apple's announcement of price hikes in July [1]. This shift in consumer behavior is attributed to the rising costs of new devices, with industry sources highlighting the significant increase in demand for refurbished models [1].
Businesses are also turning to used servers and IT equipment to manage costs amid ongoing memory shortages and currency pressures. The surge in used IT equipment sales is seen as a direct response to both price hikes and volatility in the semiconductor and memory markets [1]. The weak yen has further amplified the impact of global supply constraints, making imports of new electronics even more expensive for Japanese buyers [1].
Market analysts suggest that this trend toward used devices may persist as long as memory prices remain high and the yen stays weak, indicating a potential long-term shift in purchasing behavior among both consumers and companies [1].
CONCLUSION
The Japanese market is experiencing a notable shift toward used smartphones and IT equipment due to elevated memory prices and a depreciating yen. This trend is likely to continue if current market conditions persist, impacting both consumer and business purchasing strategies.