Export Ban to Russia Now Includes Smartphones Over $300: US Department of Commerce Enforces

Urian B., Tech Times 26 February 2023, 08:02 pm

The US Department of Commerce recently announced an update to its list of goods subject to restrictions on supplies to Russia and Belarus. This list contains a wide range of items, including those that cost over $300, such as smartphones and printers, and those that cost over $100, like dishwashers, electronic scales, and vacuum cleaners.

Impact of US Restrictions on Russian and Belarusian Companies

According to the story by Giz China, this decision is significant as it will significantly impact the trade between the US and Russia. The US Department of Commerce recently added more items to the list of goods subject to restricting supplies to Russia and Belarus.

These restrictions will lead to difficult times for companies in Russia and Belarus, who rely on imported goods to run their business. The restrictions are part of a series of measures imposed by the US government in response to human rights abuses and election interference by Russia.

Restrictions on Exported Electronics and Technological Devices

As seen on the Russian site RBC, the restricted items include smartphones and printers costing over $300, air conditioners and refrigerators costing over $750, dishwashers, electronic scales, vacuum cleaners, sound recording and reproducing equipment, and TVs that are over $100, and also microwave ovens and coffee makers.

To obtain these products, businesses may look for alternative suppliers and/or shell out more money to obtain an export license. This could further affect the economy of the countries as prices may have to be incremented to offset the cost of the license. However, the restrictions are not all-inclusive.

Allowing for Certain Humanitarian Projects and Foreign Investments Despite Supply Restrictions

There are exceptions where equipment can still be supplied for humanitarian purposes or used by foreign companies leaving Russia and/or Belarus. This allows for certain humanitarian projects and foreign investments in the country to still benefit from the availability of certain goods.

Ultimately, the restrictions imposed by the US government on supplies to Russia and Belarus are a significant decision that could considerably impact businesses in the region, as explained further in an article by Ixbt.

Implications of US Government Restrictions on Supplies to Russia and Belarus

Companies may have to rethink their supply chain or bear the brunt of additional costs to continue obtaining these goods. However, these restrictions do exempt certain activities that promote the welfare of the people or facilitate foreign investments in the country.

The updated list of restricted items from the US Department of Commerce will likely significantly impact the economies of Russia and Belarus as access to items like smartphones, refrigerators, and dishwashers become more expensive and difficult.

The US government's decision to impose restrictions on supplies to Russia and Belarus will majorly impact businesses and consumers. It remains to be seen how things will unfold in the near future, but this decision will have wide-ranging implications for the trade between the two countries.