Telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones for cellular/wireless networks (other apparatus for…

Smartphones and telephone sets are among the most heavily traded manufactured goods in the world. The category (HS 8517) covers smartphones, mobile and cellular handsets, cordless and landline telephones, and the apparatus used to send and receive voice, images and data over wired and wireless networks, including routers, base stations and network switching equipment. Production is concentrated in Asia, with China, Vietnam and India the leading export bases, and the largest import markets are the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and the Gulf states. Demand in Africa continues to grow as mobile networks expand, and the region imports almost all of its handsets. West Africa is a major destination for new and refurbished devices, supplied through hubs such as Dubai and Hong Kong. For importers, the work lies in choosing between new and refurbished stock, confirming network band and type-approval requirements in the destination country, and checking that suppliers are verified and that devices are genuine and unlocked. For exporters, strong demand in emerging markets favours suppliers with reliable grading, warranty terms and documentation. Use the Market finder to see which countries import the most, and Who trades it to find verified companies.