Taiwan-based computer manufacturer Acer continued to supply computer hardware to Russia, amounting to at least $70.4 million between April 2022 and March 2023, according to customs data. This comes after the company had announced the suspension of its business in Russia.
While Acer’s actions were not illegal, they contrast with the decisions of Western competitors Dell and HP, who halted shipments following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Acer’s equipment was supplied to Russia through its subsidiary in Switzerland and various delivery services.
The shipments from Acer did not violate Taiwan’s sanctions against Russia or Switzerland’s sanctions regime since they originated outside Taiwan. However, questions arise regarding the origin and timing of some Acer goods still available for sale in Russia.
The company stated that it strictly adheres to international regulations and trade laws but did not explain why it continued shipping goods despite the suspension announcement. A source familiar with the shipments confirmed that Acer’s products, including laptops and PC monitors, were sent to Russia even after April 2022.
The data shows a decline in shipments compared to the previous year, with at least 744 shipments entering Russia between April 2022 and March 2023, amounting to $244.3 million. Laptops and PC monitors constituted the majority of the shipments.
Acer accounted for 18.5% of all PCs sold in Russia in the fourth quarter of 2021, while HP and Dell combined made up 20.8%. The availability of foreign-made goods in Russia despite international sanctions aimed at restricting access to technology and equipment raises concerns.
Taiwan’s Economy Ministry stated that high-performance electronics, including monitors, displays, and laptops, are included in the list of goods requiring a special export permit to Russia. As of March 2023, Acer had not applied for such permits, and there were no Taiwanese customs records of Acer exports to Russia. The ministry did not comment further.
Acer Sales International SA, based in Switzerland, served as the main supplier of Acer equipment to Russia. The Swiss authorities and Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade did not provide comments on the matter.
