When tariffs on imported electronics bite, the reflex isn’t just “pay more or stop buying.” Smart enterprises and ITADs can turn toward refurbished gear as both a shield and an opportunity. Leaning into used and remanufactured devices can reduce cost, stretch lifespans, and reshape the ITAD and reseller landscape — though it also brings new challenges in component sourcing and data security.
In April 2025, the Trump administration’s Reciprocal Tariff Policy introduced sweeping import duties across numerous product categories — including IT hardware and components.
According to OffDeal baseline tariffs of 10% were introduced on most imports, with country-specific surcharges as high as 60% for certain regions.
For the IT industry, this means:
Rising cost of new devices and parts
Unpredictable price volatility depending on origin
Delays and reclassification headaches at customs
As a result, refurbished and reused equipment has suddenly gained a competitive edge — precisely because it avoids many of those added costs.
Rising cost of new devices and parts
Unpredictable price volatility depending on origin
Delays and reclassification headaches at customs
As a result, refurbished and reused equipment has suddenly gained a competitive edge — precisely because it avoids many of those added costs.
Used or refurbished electronics already in circulation are less exposed to fresh import duties, making them far cheaper for enterprises compared to buying new.
Companies are keeping existing fleets running longer, creating demand for reliable refurbishment and diagnostic services that extend device life without sacrificing performance.
Refurbished procurement flattens cost peaks — enterprises can scale hardware fleets incrementally without being blindsided by sudden tariff adjustments.
As the flow of used equipment grows, the need for certified ITAD partners who can wipe, test, and re-certify devices multiplies. That’s where service quality and data integrity become key differentiators.
Refurbishment depends heavily on new parts — batteries, SSDs, displays — which are exactly the items now burdened by tariffs.
As HOBI Internationalnotes, this is forcing ITADs to reallocate procurement toward domestic suppliers, and to rely more on component harvesting from other devices.
The result is a more localized refurbishment ecosystem, with stronger emphasis on sustainability and reuse — but also tighter margins and higher operational complexity.
As enterprises and ITADs pivot toward reuse, trust and compliance become the lifeblood of every transaction. Devices moving from one owner to another must be certified as:
Completely data-free — no recoverable information left behind.
Fully functional — with accurate diagnostics proving the device’s health.
This is precisely where Securaze helps.
Securaze’s erasure engine is Common Criteria-certified — the highest internationally recognized level of data-security assurance. That means every wiped device can be sold, leased, or redeployed with full compliance across global markets.
Whether it’s a mobile phone, laptop, or enterprise server, Securaze ensures absolute data sanitization, verifiable with audit-ready reports for regulatory proof.
Securaze’s integrated diagnostics allow ITADs and refurbishers to instantly test, grade, and verify hardware condition. That cuts testing time, improves accuracy, and raises resale value — a crucial edge in a market where refurbished goods are surging in demand.
By automating both erasure and diagnostics within one platform, Securaze enables ITADs and enterprises to handle high device volumes with speed, consistency, and trustworthiness.
Because tariffs and supply chains now favor domestic operations, Securaze tools are designed to work seamlessly within local refurbishment facilities.
The new tariff landscape is reshaping the tech industry’s economics. It rewards those who can:
Extend hardware life through refurbishment
Maintain data integrity and compliance
Build reliable domestic supply chains for parts and services
By turning toward refurbished equipment and partnering with trusted ITAD and data-erasure providers like Securaze, enterprises can turn protectionism into a catalyst for sustainability and cost efficiency.
Refurbished isn’t a downgrade — it’s a strategic upgrade. With the right technology and partners, it becomes the smarter, greener, and more resilient response to a tariff-driven market.