Laptop prices in Russia are set to rise in the first quarter of 2027, with import costs for Chinese models already increasing by 10%. This trend is driven by rising prices for components, particularly processors and RAM, as manufacturers prioritize the AI sector over consumer electronics.
A new technical fee for electronics, effective December 1, 2026, will further impact retail prices. The base rate for laptops is set at 746 ₽ per unit. Experts note that while entry-level models will see the highest percentage increase, premium and gaming laptops could see price hikes of several tens of thousands of rubles.
The market is also facing a shrinking assortment of Western brands like Apple, HP, and Dell due to changes in parallel import logistics. Consequently, consumers are increasingly turning to lesser-known Chinese brands or the secondary market, where used devices accounted for 83% of sales in the first quarter of 2026.
Additional factors contributing to the price surge include fluctuating exchange rates and rising logistics costs, which cover transportation, insurance, and customs processing. Industry experts emphasize that these costs are ultimately passed on to the consumer as vendors incorporate the new fees into final retail prices.
