Japanese consumers and businesses are increasingly purchasing used smartphones and IT equipment as memory shortages and a weak yen drive up the prices of new devices. Following Apple's announcement of price hikes for new iPhones in July, sales of used iPhones in Japan have more than doubled year-on-year, with older models like the iPhone SE seeing particularly high demand [1]. This trend is not limited to smartphones; businesses are also turning to used servers and other IT equipment as the cost of new devices rises due to soaring memory prices and currency depreciation [1].
The surge in global memory prices is attributed to shortages and increased demand for chips in artificial intelligence applications, which has had a pronounced effect in Japan where the weak yen further inflates import costs [1]. Market analysts suggest that the shift toward used electronics is likely to persist as long as memory prices remain elevated and the yen stays weak. One analyst commented that refurbished devices are becoming more attractive not only for cost savings but also for their quick availability, especially as supply chain disruptions delay shipments of new products [1].
This increase in demand for used devices is impacting the broader electronics market, with some retailers reporting shortages of popular refurbished models. Buyers are being advised to act quickly if they find desirable products, as inventory is moving fast in the current market environment [1].
CONCLUSION
The Japanese market is experiencing a significant shift toward used electronics, driven by rising memory prices and a depreciating yen. This trend is expected to continue, affecting both consumer and business purchasing patterns, and leading to shortages of popular refurbished devices.