Russia announced the scheme in March when it authorised
retailers to import products from abroad without the trademark
owner's permission.
Asked whether the new iPhone, unveiled by Apple on Wednesday,
would be imported under the scheme, Trade and Industry Minister
Denis Manturov said: "Why not? If consumers want to buy these
phones, yes. There will be the opportunity."
Apple halted new product sales in Russia in March, a week after
Russia invaded Ukraine, though the iPhone, MacBook and other
Apple goods have remained available in Russian stores as
retailers sell down their remaining stock of old models and get
hold of newly released devices through the import scheme.
Russian mobile network MTS on Thursday morning was already
selling the new iPhone 14 models on pre-order. Prices start from
84,990 roubles ($1,398) for the 128GB version.
MTS said delivery could take up to 120 days and it retained the
right to cancel orders if it faced difficulties importing the
products.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request to comment.
Manturov, who is also a deputy prime minister, said last month
that the scheme, which covers Western products ranging from
luxury clothes to cars, could reach $16 billion in value this
year, equivalent to around 4% of Russia's 2021 imports.
($1 - 60.78 roubles)
(Reporting by Reuters; editing by Jason Neely)
[© 2022 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|