Russian Industry and Trade Ministry says cessation of export of synthetic sapphires for electronics possible as last resort

MOSCOW. March 6 (Interfax) - Russia's share on the global market of synthetic sapphires used to produce microchips and electronics is up to 40%, but it will consider an export ban only as a last resort, the Russian Industry and Trade Ministry said.

"We're not seeking to develop unfriendly scenarios of actions and reserve the right to respond only as a last resort," the press service for the ministry said.

"The share of Russian synthetic sapphires on the global market is very high and currently reaches up to 40%. Leading western companies are interested in supplies of our products which meets the highest standards," the ministry said.

Synthetic sapphires are used in production of light-emitting diodes and mobile electronics, including smartphone screens.

One of the world's largest manufacturers of synthetic sapphires is the Monocrystal conglomerate based in the Stavropol Territory, part of Vladimir Pozdnyakov's Energomera concern. The company exports almost all of its products, 98%, to over 25 countries in Asia and Europe, as well as the United States.