Dutch ethical electronics company Fairphone is making its U.S. debut with repairable headphones, signaling a strategic push into a market increasingly driven by sustainability and consumer demand for long-lasting products. The move comes as U.S. states adopt "right-to-repair" laws, challenging industries to prioritize repairability over planned obsolescence.
CEO Raymond van Eck told Reuters the company plans to leverage its "supply chain traceability" and modular design philosophy to navigate tariffs and component shortages. Fairphone, which manufactures in the Chinese mainland, reported a 61% year-on-year revenue jump in Q3 2025, driven by strong sales of devices, audio products, and spare parts.
The U.S. expansion begins with headphones sold via Amazon, serving as a testing ground before introducing smartphones. Van Eck emphasized the company’s "eight-year support promise" for its flagship Fairphone 6, aligning with growing consumer interest in total cost of ownership over upfront pricing.
While a 34% tariff currently impacts affordability, Fairphone’s focus on legislative tailwinds and partnerships could reshape how tech companies approach the $100 billion U.S. electronics market. Analysts suggest this strategy may appeal to environmentally conscious buyers and investors tracking ESG trends.
