Computers in Russia will become 10 percent more expensive in early 2026: How the AI boom is affecting the electronics market

The Russian computer hardware market is preparing for another shock: retail prices for PCs, laptops, and components will increase by roughly 10 percent right after the New Year holidays. The main reason is the global surge in memory prices, driven by demand for AI infrastructure. The report comes from Izvestia, citing industry sources, and vendors such as Xiaomi are already openly warning that the increase is unavoidable. Here is why this is happening and what it means for consumers.

DRAM Price Explosion: Up to 170 Percent Growth in a Year

Since the beginning of 2025, prices for DRAM chips, including popular DDR5 modules, have risen more than 170 percent, according to The Commercial Times and TrendForce. In September, a 32 GB DDR5 kit cost about 125 dollars, but by November the price exceeded 250 dollars, doubling in just a few months. In September, Samsung raised prices on several chip categories by 60 percent, and in November increased DDR5 32 GB prices by another 50 to 60 percent, up to 239 dollars. SK Hynix and Micron show similar trends: wholesale prices have grown by 30 percent in a single week, and in some segments have doubled.

This is not a coincidence, but a systemic crisis. The memory market has shifted from overproduction in 2023 to 2024 to a severe shortage. Manufacturers are buying up stock in advance, anticipating further price hikes, which adds more pressure to the market.

AI as the Main Consumer of Memory

The primary culprit is the artificial intelligence boom. AI data centers, including large scale projects such as Microsoft Stargate and NVIDIA GB200, require huge amounts of high speed memory: HBM and server grade DDR5. Major players such as Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron have redirected up to 80 percent of their capacity toward these chips, leaving the consumer segment, including smartphones, PCs, and laptops, with far fewer supplies. Demand for server DRAM has increased by 50 to 70 percent, while production of consumer modules has dropped by 20 to 30 percent.

The result is a shortage of DDR4 and DDR5 for regular devices. In Russia, this has already affected distributor pricing, and the first batches of more expensive hardware will reach retail shelves in January to February 2026. There is also a local factor: beginning September 1, 2026, a new technology fee of up to 5000 rubles per unit will take effect, adding another 3 to 6 percent to the cost of imported and domestic electronics. Experts from Mobile Research Group predict an overall increase of 4 to 6 percent from the fee alone, but combined with the global crisis it may reach up to 15 percent.

Warnings from Vendors: Xiaomi at the Forefront

Xiaomi president Lu Weibing stated last week, Prices for memory are rising unpredictably, and this will impact smartphones, PCs, and other electronics in 2026. The company has already adjusted prices for Redmi K90 by 100 to 300 yuan and for the Vivo X300 in a similar range to compensate for increased production costs. MediaTek and other chipmakers are also reporting shrinking margins down to 15 to 20 percent due to memory prices and foundry rates.

Russian distributors, according to Izvestia, confirm that the 10 percent price increase will affect not only PCs but also laptops, graphics cards, and even SSDs. One manufacturer’s representative said, Purchases are already being made at new prices. Consumers will feel the impact in the first quarter.

What Consumers Should Do: Expert Advice

• Buy now: December 2025 is the last chance to get current prices, though expect high demand and shortages.
  • Consider alternatives: Systems with DDR4 are cheaper, though DDR5 is preferable for AI related workloads.
  • Keep an eye on the new fee: Starting September 2026, it will add 3 to 5 percent to devices with low localization, which accounts for up to 90 percent of the market.
  • Long term forecast: Prices will stabilize by 2027 once factories increase HBM4 output, but until then expect quarterly increases of 30 to 50 percent.

In Short

In early 2026, computers and components in Russia will rise in price by about 10 percent due to a 170 percent increase in DRAM costs, with DDR5 jumping from 125 dollars to 250 dollars, driven by the AI boom and chip shortages. Xiaomi and other vendors warn that all gadgets will be affected. The new technology fee in September will add another 3 to 6 percent. Experts advise upgrading your PC by the end of the year to avoid overpaying, as the memory market will remain unstable for at least another year.