According to Izvestia, in January and February, the demand for almost all smartphone models in Russia increased sharply compared to last year. This was due to buyers' fears about the possible rise in price of devices and shortages due to promised but not implemented technological sanctions from the United States.
Representatives of retailers told the publication that sales of smartphones in January compared to the same period in 2021 increased by 50% (Ozon) and even 60% (AliExpress Russia).
The most popular among Russian buyers at the beginning of the year were smartphones manufactured by Samsung, Xiaomi, Apple, Realme and Poco. Moreover, buyers often choose expensive flagship models. In fact, the top segment of the market accounts for half of all the money that people have spent in the process of buying new smartphones.
Representatives of retailers said that they have a sufficient stock of smartphones, both the latest models and popular low-cost versions. They expected increased demand and prepared for it in advance. Also, many stores were able to significantly expand the range and organize fast delivery of ordered devices from their warehouses.
In addition to smartphones, demand in Russia for other electronics has also grown - laptops (by 4.8 times compared to January last year), tablets, desktop computers and accessories for them.
At the beginning of the year, experts predicted a rise in the price of smartphones in Russia in 2022. According to their calculations, the prices for mobile phones of the middle and premium segment can grow up to 17%. Device shortages will also continue, if not worsen, due to the ongoing crisis in the global semiconductor market and its accompanying supply chain problems, pipeline shutdowns and component shortages.
At the end of December, the media reported that the US administration plans, in the event of an escalation of geopolitical problems, to impose restrictions on the import of American companies of their technologies and products to Russia, including smartphones and key aviation and automotive components. The United States also promises that it will put pressure on European and Asian manufacturers so that they also stop supplying their products and technologies in the event of sanctions against the Russian Federation. Market experts have estimated that Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi and Realme will lose 760 billion rubles (about $10 billion) a year in the event of sanctions against Russia and a ban on direct deliveries.
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