Xiaomi may have problems selling its devices in Finland, according to a report from Suomimobiles revealed. The three major operators Telia, DNA and Elisa are suspending sales of the Chinese company in response to the brand’s presence in Russia following the outbreak of war in Ukraine last year.
On the other hand, retailers Gigantti and Verkkokauppa said that since the EU does not ban Xiaomi, they will continue to sell the products until further notice.
Xiaomi was declared an “international war sponsor” by the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption in Ukraine earlier this year due to its active presence in Russia. Dissatisfaction with Xiaomi’s activities in Finland’s eastern neighbor led Telia to abandon cooperation with the phone maker and not sell new devices; will only sell those in stock.
DNA stores no longer have Xiaomi phones on display and the operator has confirmed its stance against the brand. DNA CEO Sami Aavikko said this Suomimobiles that the company is unhappy with Xiaomi’s handling of the situation in Russia, and plans not to replenish stocks once current devices run out.
Elisa has taken a softer approach and will narrow the range of Xiaomi devices, said Olli-Pekka Nokkonen, director of consumer devices at the operator.
Xiaomi opened a research and development center in Finland in 2019
Retailer Veikon Kone was the first to hold back sales of Xiaomi phones in the summer, but later reversed its decision after competitors refused to follow suit. However, it does not plan to add new models to its stores. Xiaomi representatives have decided to remain silent on the matter.
The Nordic country has harbored anti-Russian sentiments for more than a century and was even on the verge of suffering an invasion in 1939, similar to the one that occurred in Ukraine on February 24, 2022. According to a poll last year, three-quarters (76%) of the Finnish population has a negative view of Russia and over 90% believe that Russia poses a threat to world peace.
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