SAN FRANCISCO: The global market for refurbished smartphones declined one percent last year, reaching more than 137 million units, according to a new report from research firm Counterpoint. 

The report said a one percent increase during H2 was not able to offset the decline in the first half.

Counterpoint said this was the first time in the last four years that the refurbished market has declined for the full year. 

“The trend is mainly linked with the downturn in new smartphone sales in key regions like the US, China and Europe,” said Jeff Fieldhack, Counterpoint’s research director.

Despite a decline in the overall market, there were several growth markets like India, Latin America and Africa. Apple and Samsung continued to dominate the refurbished market during the year.