There will be no surprises: prices for gadgets will continue to rise at least until 2023

We have all noticed that the prices of the usual gadgets continue to rise, and it seems that there is no end in sight to this growth. Experts argue that, at best, price stabilization can begin only in 2023, when, finally, the global economy begins to recover and logistics problems are solved, and the markets will be saturated with chips and microcircuits. Therefore, it is better to change outdated equipment, the upgrade possibilities of which are very limited, and the performance is low. But there is no point in changing new gadgets, it is much more useful to buy a modern wireless headset for them in order to increase the comfort when using it, says the associate professor of the Russian Economic University named after G.V. Plekhanov Maria Dolgova, and at the same time explains why smartphones, computers, laptops, tablets, TVs and other devices are becoming more expensive, and when is it more profitable to shop: before the New Year, or immediately after?

The prices for gadgets are growing, firstly, because the prices for the materials from which they are made are growing. For example, lithium in just a month from the end of October to the end of November 2021 has risen in price by as much as 19%., Chinese silicon for 4 months from July to October - six times! And this trend will continue at the beginning of next year.

Secondly, due to growing demand and low production levels, there is a shortage of chips on the market. A sharp rise in the price of energy resources, including natural gas, also affects the final price, which affects the work of many Chinese industries.

The transportation of goods has also significantly increased in price, and in addition, the price of gadgets is affected by long transport delays, delays in warehouses and customs - all this is due to the pandemic.

Add to this the increased demand for electronic gadgets and the dynamics of exchange rates, and we get the following picture:

- prices are growing for both flagship and budget models of smartphones;

- On average, laptops have risen in price by 15% over the year, especially in the middle price range;

- The prime cost of TVs has increased by 25% over the year.

The expert also cites measures by which manufacturers are trying to contain price increases:

- the equipment is simplified. For example, Samsung and Apple sell their smartphones without a set of headphones, cables, and a charger;

- parameters deteriorate (especially in TVs and budget smartphones) in comparison with previous models.

The expert believes that discounts during the sales period are possible for previous models, but prices are unlikely to be lower than at the beginning of this year. Discounts will be approximately 3-15% and rarely 25%. Only for certain positions, such as an unpopular brand or the last copy, and budget models, they can make up 30-35%. Discounts on the latest copies and selected TV models can reach up to 40%. Discounts on household appliances will certainly be more attractive.

After the New Year, when demand falls, there may be a slight decrease in prices for electronics - mainly for televisions, since in this area competition between manufacturers is most intense, but there will be no slowdown in price growth in the new year.