Acer ships computers to Russia despite business suspension – Reuters
Taiwanese company Acer supplied at least $70.4 million worth of computer equipment to Russia between April 8, 2022 and March 31, 2023, after announcing that it had suspended its business in the country. This is evidenced by the customs data reviewed by Reuters.
The documents show that Acer equipment was supplied to Russia through a wholly owned subsidiary of Acer registered in Switzerland and through a number of delivery services ordered by this company. Since the delivery was from outside Taiwan, it did not formally violate Taipei’s sanctions against Russia. They also did not contain items whose exports were subject to a Swiss sanctions regime similar to that of the European Union at the time of export.
But in a statement on April 8 last year, the company said: “Due to recent events, Acer has decided to suspend its business in Russia.” When asked about further exports to Russia through its Swiss subsidiary Acer Sales International SA, Taiwan-based Acer said it “strictly adheres to international rules and trade laws regarding exports to Russia.”
The company clarified that its subsidiary has not supplied laptops or desktops to Russia since April 8 last year, with shipments including “a limited number of displays and accessories for everyday use by civilians while ensuring compliance with international sanctions.” Acer has not said why it continues to supply its products to Russia despite the announcement that it will cease operations in the country.
At the same time, a Reuters source familiar with the details of the supply said on condition of anonymity that Acer products, including PC monitors and laptops, continued to be shipped to Russia after April 2022.
The Swiss sanctions, like the EU sanctions, allowed the export of laptops and computer components to Russia until December 16, 2022. After that date, Acer did not supply the banned products to Russia from Switzerland.
Russian customs data show that between April 8, 2022 and March 31, 2023, at least 744 shipments of Acer products were imported into Russia, compared to 3,735 shipments a year earlier, totaling $244.3 million. Acer’s Russian division responded to a request by stating that nothing has changed since the April 2022 statement.
