By Nathan Vifflin
(Reuters) -Dutch ethical‑electronics maker Fairphone is entering the U.S. market with its repairable headphones, preparing the ground for a phone launch, chief executive Raymond van Eck told Reuters in an interview.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
The move taps into a growing consumer and legislative push in the U.S. for a “right-to-repair” where consumers look long term at total cost of ownership beyond tariff inflated price tags, the CEO said.
KEY QUOTE
“Our strategy is built for uncertainty. The tariffs weather may change daily, but the demand signal in the U.S. is clear,” van Eck said, adding “right-to-repair legislation is advancing nationwide, creating a new opportunity for us”.
CONTEXT
In recent years, many U.S. states have enacted “right-to-repair” laws as consumers and lawmakers backlash against products, from smartphones to tractors, that are difficult or impossible to fix.
Like most electronics brands, Fairphone manufactures in China, but its emphasis on sustainability, from mines to chips, demands greater supply chain traceability and helping it navigate component shortages, the CEO said.
BY THE NUMBERS
Fairphone reported a 61% year-on-year revenue increase in the third quarter of 2025, with device sales rising 61%, audio by 40%, and spare parts 41%.
The company aims to sell at least as many audio units it sold in Europe last year this year in the U.S. It declined to give sales targets.
A 34% tariff currently impacts its prices.
Its flagship device, the Fairphone 6, promises eight years of total support, five years of warranty, and spare parts until 2033.
WHAT’S NEXT
The audio line, sold via a partnership with Amazon, is intended as a beachhead into the U.S. market. More than 90% of phones in the country are sold through mobile network operators, Van Eck said that launch is being carefully planned for.
(Reporting by Nathan Vifflin in Gdansk; Editing by Matt Scuffham)
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