HMD Global, the company responsible for licensing the Nokia phone brand, has announced its decision to reduce its presence in the U.S. market. This move raises the possibility that it could signify the end of Nokia’s operations in the United States altogether.
In a recent statement shared by Wired’s Julian Chokkattu, HMD indicated that it is “scaling back” its activities in the U.S. The company, which has been using the Nokia name since 2016 for Android devices, feature phones, tablets, and accessories, is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for customers and business partners.
HMD plans to honor warranties and continue providing support for existing products globally. The company attributed this shift to a “challenging geopolitical and economic environment,” likely referencing tariffs imposed on imported goods in the U.S.
While HMD’s messaging includes terms like “scaling back,” it seems more indicative of a significant withdrawal from the U.S. market rather than a minor adjustment. HMD expressed appreciation for its U.S. employees affected by these changes and committed to supporting them through the transition.
HMD brought nostalgia to the market by reintroducing popular classic Nokia models, such as the 3310 and the 8110 4G, which were hits before smartphones gained mainstream acceptance. Despite these efforts, the company faced challenges with its modern offerings, including the Nokia 9 PureView, which received low ratings due to various performance issues.
The licensing agreement between HMD and Nokia is set to expire in 2026. Without further investment or interest from other companies, Nokia may follow in the footsteps of brands like BlackBerry, struggling to adapt to the rapidly evolving smartphone landscape pioneered by Apple.