PUBLISHER: Global Industry Analysts, Inc. | PRODUCT CODE: 1793773
PUBLISHER: Global Industry Analysts, Inc. | PRODUCT CODE: 1793773
Global Refurbished Electronics Market to Reach US$169.5 Billion by 2030
The global market for Refurbished Electronics estimated at US$93.7 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$169.5 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.4% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Laptops, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 13.2% CAGR and reach US$67.7 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Tablets segment is estimated at 8.5% CAGR over the analysis period.
The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$25.5 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 14.6% CAGR
The Refurbished Electronics market in the U.S. is estimated at US$25.5 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world's second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$35.6 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 14.6% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% and 9.3% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 8.2% CAGR.
Global Refurbished Electronics Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized
How Is the Refurbished Electronics Market Redefining Value and Sustainability?
The refurbished electronics market has evolved into a structured and scalable ecosystem offering extended product lifecycles, reduced e-waste, and improved digital access. From laptops, tablets, and PCs to gaming consoles, televisions, and smart home devices, nearly every consumer and enterprise electronic category is now represented in the refurbished space. This growth has been fueled by rising environmental awareness, resource scarcity, and affordability needs in both developed and emerging markets. Refurbished electronics offer high-functioning alternatives to new devices, while also supporting ESG-aligned consumption practices.
Manufacturers and distributors are leveraging surplus, returned, or lightly used inventory to recover value through in-house refurbishing programs or third-party partnerships. Certified refurbishment involves multi-point diagnostic checks, repair or replacement of faulty components, secure data erasure, aesthetic cleaning, and packaging in either plain boxes or manufacturer-certified retail kits. With device complexity rising and refresh cycles shortening, particularly in laptops and tablets, refurbishment is playing a key role in reducing obsolescence. This is especially relevant in education, remote work, and public sector digital infrastructure deployments.
What Are the Core Market Segments and Distribution Channels Gaining Traction?
Consumer-grade laptops, desktops, monitors, and printers form the largest share of the refurbished electronics market, largely due to demand from students, home-office users, and small businesses. Enterprise IT equipment-including servers, routers, and network switches-is also experiencing growth as organizations seek CAPEX savings while maintaining performance and reliability. In retail, refurbished gaming consoles, smart speakers, and LED TVs are gaining traction among value-seeking tech enthusiasts and households upgrading secondary rooms or spaces.
Distribution is increasingly omnichannel, with both online and offline players capturing market share. Online platforms such as Amazon Renewed, eBay Certified Refurbished, and Newegg are offering extensive catalogs, warranty coverage, and transparent grading. Brick-and-mortar expansion by resellers is also evident in large emerging economies where touch-and-feel purchases still dominate. Retailers like Best Buy and Croma are dedicating space to refurbished SKUs, supported by value bundles and financing plans. Moreover, B2B channels are expanding as education ministries, NGOs, and healthcare systems adopt refurbished devices for cost-effective deployments.
Which Technologies Are Transforming Refurbishment Workflows and Quality Assurance?
Refurbishment is becoming more standardized and tech-enabled through the integration of diagnostic automation, AI-based grading, and cloud-based refurbishment management software. For instance, proprietary diagnostic platforms can run hundreds of automated tests within minutes, identifying hidden defects that manual checks might miss. Predictive analytics are being used to pre-sort inventory based on expected repair costs, helping optimize refurbishment economics and reduce waste. Machine learning is also assisting in customer returns analytics, identifying high-failure components and guiding design feedback to OEMs.
Robotics and modular repair tools are increasingly used in high-throughput refurbishing centers to improve speed and consistency. Battery replacement tools, screen reassembly jigs, and advanced cleaning systems enable bulk handling of complex devices. Quality assurance is now more granular, with tiered grading systems and performance benchmarking aligned to customer expectations. Additionally, security-certified data erasure software ensures GDPR and HIPAA compliance for resellers handling enterprise or health-related equipment. Blockchain tools are being piloted for tracking chain of custody and authenticating parts origin.
What Factors Are Driving the Growth of the Refurbished Electronics Market?
The growth in the refurbished electronics market is driven by expanding digital inclusion goals, cost savings imperatives, and mounting pressure to reduce e-waste. Governments and international bodies such as the UN and OECD are promoting reuse and refurbishment as key components of a circular digital economy. As device usage becomes more ubiquitous in education, healthcare, and hybrid work environments, demand for affordable, high-performance alternatives to new electronics continues to rise. Refurbished devices are often the first step toward bridging the digital divide for millions globally.
The supply side is becoming more robust through manufacturer-led trade-in programs, retailer partnerships, and global electronics recycling networks. As ESG reporting requirements push companies to quantify sustainability outcomes, refurbished electronics offer a measurable reduction in lifecycle emissions and resource extraction. The trend toward sustainable procurement by institutions and the shift in consumer behavior toward functional value over newness are reinforcing long-term growth. With better warranties, trusted distribution, and digital asset management tools, refurbished electronics are becoming a mainstream purchasing option for both individuals and enterprises worldwide.
SCOPE OF STUDY:
The report analyzes the Refurbished Electronics market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:
Segments:
Product (Laptops, Tablets, Gaming Consoles, Audio Equipment); Distribution Channel (Online Distribution Channel, Physical Stores, Authorized Refurbishment Centers, Other Distribution Channels); End-Use (Students End-Use, Corporate Sector End-Use, Educational Institutions End-Use, Government Organizations End-Use)
Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.
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