The newspaper reported a halt in the import of gray market smartphones into Russia, noting that the surge in parallel imports through informal channels has been interrupted. The story, which cited discussions with gadget traders at one of Moscow’s largest electronic markets, described a significant shift in the availability of these devices and how sellers have begun to reassess pricing in response to the change in supply chains.
A source from the publication indicated that the market for gray smartphones has contracted so sharply that prices have risen by roughly 3,000 to 4,000 rubles over the past fortnight. Analysts and market observers expect prices to align with those of devices arriving through standard, legally compliant import routes once the new market equilibrium is established. If the current trend continues, the volume of gray-market units could dwindle to near zero in the near term, with a forecast pointing to a possible disappearance from circulation by March.
The report also received confirmation from Eldar Murtazin, a prominent analyst with Mobile Research Group, who stated that gray imports into Izvestia, Russia have indeed been curtailed. Murtazin attributed the disruption to a shift in policy and supervision at the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation, explaining that tighter controls and stricter clearance procedures have effectively blocked the entry of gray smartphones. This tightening has created a shortage of such devices, as the supply that previously entered under relaxed conditions is now constrained by new regulatory measures.
Earlier conversations at Socialbites indicated a related development: the country has seen instances where iPhones activated abroad were being sold within Russia, a practice that underscores the ongoing search for alternatives amid the import restrictions. This dynamic illustrates how consumers and retailers adapt to changing import rules, balancing availability, legality, and price in a rapidly evolving market.