HMD Global Winds Down US Operations, Ceases Sales of Nokia and HMD Phones

HMD Global, the Finnish company behind the revival of Nokia-branded phones over the past several years, is significantly reducing its presence in the United States. The company has confirmed that it is “scaling back” operations in the region, amid what it describes as a complex geopolitical and economic climate.

The move comes as HMD’s US-facing webstore has gone offline, and its product pages no longer provide clear buying options. Although a few handsets can still be found through third-party sellers like Amazon, HMD appears to have quietly pulled official sales of both its own branded devices and Nokia phones from its site.

In a statement, HMD reiterated its commitment to honouring warranty and service support for current customers through its global support network. However, the company declined to disclose whether the downsizing would result in job losses among its US staff, only stating that it is offering support to employees during the transition.

The withdrawal marks a notable shift for HMD, which acquired the rights to produce Nokia-branded phones in 2016 after Microsoft’s failed acquisition of Nokia’s mobile division. Over the years, HMD focused on building a portfolio of affordable Android smartphones and feature phones, while also experimenting with modular and repairable designs under its own brand name.

Only a handful of HMD-branded smartphones ever made it to the US market, with the most recent being the modular HMD Fusion in 2024. Despite some innovation—like the Skyline, the only known Android device to support Qi2 wireless charging—HMD never gained significant traction in the competitive US smartphone landscape.

As the company pivots away from the American market, its broader strategy appears to favour regional launches and partnerships. Recent international releases include unconventional collaborations like the Barbie flip phone and the minimalist Heineken “Boring Phone.”