The ongoing uncertainty around tariffs– which will stay, which will drop off, and which will increase or decrease– has destabilized markets and caused tremors in the overall health of the U.S. economy as the Trump administration seeks to make new global trade deals and reinvigorate domestic manufacturing through more favorable economic conditions. Consumers are shopping carefully, and recession risk is high.
In the short term, however, this will almost certainly drive prices up on a large swath of goods due to the current supply chain, which presents an incredible opportunity for any business owner seeking to sell their used manufacturing equipment.
Tariffs Make New Equipment More Expensive — and Push Buyers to Used
As new equipment prices increase either through more expensive raw materials or through tariffs on their import, buyers looking to spend conservatively in a volatile economy will naturally turn to used equipment. Given there’s increased risk of recession and prices are likely to increase should the ongoing trade war with China continue, thrifty buyers will naturally consider tariff-less, inexpensive used equipment. This puts you as a potential seller in a strong position in a market about to be flooded with more buyers. Not only will this give you a chance at higher profit, but the chances your equipment will sit in your inventory for long periods of time will diminish as more sales happen more quickly. Many are hoping to make these deals quickly!
Higher Demand Leads to Higher Resale Value
The basic laws of economics show us that when there is greater demand on a finite supply, prices will likely increase for a given commodity; this time is no different. Used equipment makes the most sense for the economic-minded, and as such this new cohort of buyers will increase demand in a way where the price will certainly be right for you to sell. Sellers of used industrial equipment can look forward to higher than typical prices, particularly for in-demand categories of machinery.
Most popular types of machinery
- Packaging
- CNC Machinery
- Material Handling
Buyers Need Equipment Now — And Sellers Can Deliver
Another headache of tariffs is increased processing time at national borders. Tariffs will disrupt not only the supply chain of complete equipment, but also the flow of raw materials into the country– not just in price, but in time. And as we all know, time is money.
If you’re looking to sell and able to ship quickly, you’ll have a huge advantage when it comes to offering your equipment; new manufacturers simply won’t be able to compete with on-demand shipping. Highlight this in your listings with “immediate availability” or “ships immediately” to really emphasize to buyers that they can get their used equipment faster AND cheaper than new.
Tap into Global Demand
Depending on which tariffs stay and which are removed, there’s a strong chance that many international buyers might pivot to purchasing U.S.-based machinery to reduce their tariff burden. Happily, Bid-on-Equipment is able to host listings from around the world to international buyers, which means you’ll be able to connect with an eager, global audience.
Stay Ahead of the Market
Get ahead of the curve (or falling line) and sell today to beat companies looking to lighten their equipment load in case of economic downturn. If the markets take another dip similar to that of early April, not every firm will survive, and they’ll be looking to liquidate their equipment– and quickly. Beat the wave by listing now and take advantage of more favorable pricing as well as high demand while it lasts.
Strengthened Domestic Market
One of the administration’s stated goals of levying such extreme tariffs is to revitalize domestic manufacturing. While this might have some short-term success, the reality of American manufacturing’s state in 2025 is that there will need to be a lot of infrastructural rebuilding to bring America back to its manufacturing glory of yesteryear; on the other hand, in the interim, this will revitalize a domestic marketplace, and while factories are continuing to rebuild their capacity to manufacture, in the meantime, it’s a seller’s market. Buyers are motivated to avoid international fees and delays by purchasing used equipment.
The Online Marketplace Advantage: Sell today with Bid-on-Equipment
Bid-on-Equipment.com is uniquely positioned to help you navigate the stormy seas of tariff uncertainty: by listing with us, we can promise a growing buyer’s pool both domestically and internationally, up-to-date listings, and the ability to broker sales very quickly. You’ll be able to tap into this unique market opportunity as well as weather stormy economic seas with a bit more liquidity than if you sat on your used equipment. Reach out to us today to get started selling!
