The repair and refurbishment industry is no stranger to external shocks but the current wave of global uncertainty may be one of the toughest yet. With the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China, unpredictable policy shifts, and a volatile macroeconomic environment, businesses dependent on global supply chains are bracing for impact. Even though some proposed tariffs are paused for now, uncertainty in international trade—especially for components sourced from Asia—is creating ripple effects across the industry.

If you run a repair or refurbishment operation, this is more than just background noise. It hits your margins, your inventory strategies, and your ability to scale efficiently.

Trade Uncertainty= Volatile Component Costs

Let’s get to the point: most repairable consumer electronics—smartphones, tablets, laptops—rely on globally sourced components. Even a whisper of new tariffs can drive up the cost of these parts and complicate already-fragile supply chains. For businesses already navigating tight margins and high customer expectations, every additional euro or dollar counts.

As Josh Beasley, CEO and industry veteran, puts it:

"Some circular industries will be hugely impacted on the back of the tariffs—e.g. repair providers. Inflated pricing on spare parts will drive higher repair costs… Even in a perfectly circular world, there simply aren’t enough harvestable parts in the ecosystem to substantiate the demand."

Whether you absorb these costs or pass them on to customers, neither is a win. The reality is clear: rising part prices shrink profitability and force tough decisions.

If you’re already feeling margin pressure (as we’ve discussed in past posts), tariffs can accelerate that. You may be forced to either absorb costs or pass them onto customers—both options with real downsides.

Parts Harvesting as a Competitive Edge

One proven tactic gaining renewed relevance is parts harvesting—reclaiming usable components from devices deemed beyond economical repair (BER).

And this isn’t just for refurbishers. Harvested parts are just as critical in active repair workflows. A working screen, battery, or port assembly from a BER unit can keep another device functional, while also reducing your dependency on expensive new parts. Apple’s recent move to allow repair providers to pair original parts, including used genuine Apple components, using its official diagnostic tools makes parts harvesting even more compelling from a business perspective.

Done well, parts harvesting:

• Reduces procurement costs
• Increases part availability and flexibility
• Supports sustainability goals.
• Unlocks value from what would otherwise be e-waste.

Importantly, this isn’t just for refurbishers. Harvested components—screens, batteries, cameras, ports—are critical in ongoing repair workflows, helping maintain service levels even when new parts are delayed or overpriced.

The Problem? It's Operationally Hard to Do Without Systems

The catch: harvesting only works at scale if you can track what’s coming in, what’s going out, and where each part is used.

Without proper systems, it’s hard to:

• Identify which parts are viable to harvest (and from where).
• Record the condition and compatibility of each component.
• Avoid losing track of inventory or double-using parts.
• Maintain accountability across technicians and locations.
• Ensure traceability for warranty or compliance audits.

This isn’t something a spreadsheet or generic ticketing system can handle efficiently. Businesses using software built specifically for repair and refurbishment workflows are far better equipped to implement harvesting as a core operational strategy—not just a workaround during supply crunches.

Build a Resilience Playbook

The global landscape is unlikely to stabilize anytime soon. Even if some tariffs are paused, policy changes can happen quickly—and companies that treat this as a one-time disruption may be caught flat-footed.

As Beasley also notes:

“This shift won’t be painless—significant disruptions are inevitable as the industry recalibrates… But tariffs will also force companies to become more innovative, unlocking higher resale values and enhancing the ecosystem.”

Integrating parts harvesting into your operations, backed by the right tools, turns tariff pressure into a strategic advantage. In a landscape of rising costs and shifting expectations, resilience isn’t a buzzword. It’s how smart businesses stay ahead.

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