Secondhand Industry Resilience Amid Trump’s Tariffs
The secondhand industry is facing the challenges posed by President Donald Trump’s tariffs, much like every other sector in the business world. However, recent statements from eBay and Etsy suggest that these companies are not overly concerned about the impact of tariffs on their businesses.
Both eBay and Etsy recently released their Q1 2025 earnings reports, addressing the issue of tariffs and showcasing their resilience in the face of economic uncertainties. Unlike import-reliant competitors such as Temu and Shein, eBay and Etsy sellers in the U.S. primarily source their products locally, focusing on used, vintage, or handmade items.
During their earnings calls, eBay CEO Jamie Iannone highlighted that only about 5% of their total gross merchandise value comes from greater China to the U.S., with China accounting for less than 10% overall. Similarly, Etsy’s CFO, Lanny Baker, stated that just over 1% of their gross merchandise sales are from U.S. imports of items purchased from sellers in China.
Etsy’s CEO, Josh Silverman, emphasized that the majority of their sellers are solo entrepreneurs who source their supplies domestically, providing them with a competitive advantage over rivals who rely heavily on imports.
The Impact on Etsy
While Etsy’s direct exposure to tariffs is relatively low, the company is facing challenges related to consumer spending habits. The platform, known for handcrafted and vintage goods, has experienced a 3.4% year-over-year decline in active buyers and an 11% drop in habitual buyers, totaling 88.5 million and 6.2 million, respectively.
Additionally, Etsy reported an 8.9% decline in gross merchandise sales for the marketplace, amounting to $2.3 billion. Despite these challenges, Etsy continues to benefit from its ownership of Depop, a secondhand fashion platform that has seen record-high gross merchandise sales since its acquisition in 2021.
The Resilience of eBay
Unlike Etsy, eBay is in a stronger position due to a significant portion of its inventory consisting of used and refurbished goods, which account for over 40% of its offerings. The company reported that price-conscious shoppers are increasingly turning to eBay to avoid tariffs, leading to healthy volume trends and increased spending.
eBay’s gross merchandise volume grew to $18.8 billion, with revenue increasing by over 1% to $2.58 billion. The company’s CFO, Steve Priest, attributed this growth to consumer concerns about potential tariff-related costs and complexities at U.S. customs.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges posed by President Trump’s tariffs, both eBay and Etsy are demonstrating resilience in the face of economic uncertainties. While Etsy faces some hurdles related to consumer spending, eBay is capitalizing on the demand for used and refurbished goods. Both companies are adapting to changing market conditions and remain confident in their ability to navigate turbulent times.
