Nov 5 (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 ( AMZN ),

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.