ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Business trends

China emerges as center of thriving used smartphone trade

Carrier practices keep Japan out of step with secondhand market

This electronics market in Guangzhou draws smartphone buyers from Africa and elsewhere. (Photo by Yu Nakamura)

TOKYO -- Secondhand cellphones from all over the globe are winding up in resale markets in China, which has become a go-to hub for buyers from an equally diverse array of places.  

One recent morning, a commercial space in Guangzhou was filled with used handsets imported from various countries. Buyers from Africa were busy examining and picking out devices. "Phones from Japan are very popular," one vendor said, adding that they tend to be in good condition.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more