Acer continues to supply computer equipment to Russia despite statements about exiting the country

Taiwanese computer manufacturer Acer continues to supply computer equipment to Russia, despite the company's promise to wind down its operations in Russia. According to customs data, from April 8, 2022, to March 31, 2023, Acer supplied equipment to Russia worth at least $70.4 million, Reuters reports.

The records show that Acer's equipment was supplied to Russia both through its wholly-owned subsidiary registered in Switzerland and through several delivery services on behalf of that subsidiary. As these shipments originated outside of Taiwan, they did not violate Taiwan's sanctions against Russia. They also did not include items restricted by Switzerland's sanctions regime, which aligns with that of the European Union.

Meanwhile, Acer stated that it strictly adheres to applicable international regulations and trade laws regarding exports to Russia. The company stated that its Swiss subsidiary "has not shipped laptops or desktops to Russia since April last year" but has supplied a "limited number of displays and accessories to the Russian market for civilian daily use while ensuring compliance with international sanctions." The company also mentioned that its products could reach Russia through third countries.

However, a source familiar with the details of the shipments, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue, stated that Acer's products, including monitors and laptops, continued to be shipped to Russia after April 2022.

According to Swiss sanctions, which mirror those of the European Union, the export of laptops and computer components to Russia was allowed until December 16, 2022. Acer did not ship any newly prohibited items to Russia from Switzerland after that date.

According to consulting company IDC Russia, Acer accounted for 18.5% of all PCs sold in Russia in the fourth quarter of 2021, while HP and Dell together made up 20.8%.

These shipments highlight how, despite international sanctions aimed at limiting Russians' access to technology and equipment, foreign-made goods remain available to consumers.

Russian customs data shows that at least 744 shipments of Acer's products entered Russia between April 8, 2022, and March 31, 2023, compared to 3,735 shipments in the previous year, with a total value of $244.3 million. The monetary value of shipments decreased by 71.1%.