Image source: AFP
After Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, many European and American brands have suspended sales in Russia, while some Chinese and South Korean companies intend to maintain normal trade relations with Moscow.
According to data compiled by Counterpoint Research and Statista, Russia sells nearly 30 million smartphones a year, with Samsung and Xiaomi each accounting for 25 to 35 percent of the market, followed by Apple with 15 percent.
Statista's survey shows that laptops made by Asus, Acer, Lenovo, HP, Samsung, Apple and Dell (in order of popularity) will be the most popular in Russia in 2021. While U.S. brands — Apple, HP and Dell — have stopped shipping to Russia, Asian laptops dominate there.
In 2020, Apple's revenue in Russia exceeded $2.5 billion, less than 1% of its global sales. As a result, observers say Russia's suspension of sales could have limited impact on Apple, and its decision is in line with the mainstream stance of Western countries.
South Korean media have warned that if the war continues, South Korea's consumer electronics exports to Russia could be affected.
In a Feb. 28 statement, South Korea's Foreign Ministry announced its decision to join international efforts to impose economic sanctions on Russia.
"The South Korean government will tighten its scrutiny of Export Controls to Russia to block the export of strategic items to Russia." With regard to non-strategic projects*, the relevant ministries will review and finalize actionable measures in the near future," it said.
The main Russian smartphone brands and their responses
Russia sells nearly 30 million smartphones every year
Top 10 Laptop Brands in Russia (2021)
Note: The orange brand is a brand that has stopped selling in Russia.