Kazi Najib Ashraf: hope is on the rise

We are all waiting for the new iPhone to arrive, but something must be up - the CPO for the iPhone X has already hit store shelves. These are strange events that have never before happened in the world of mobile phones.

The iPhone 8 has been strangely dropped from the CPO line, and has been boosted to the top of the line.

The Middle East trading scenario has been bumpy since the beginning of the year with the inclusion of the VAT in the UAE. Here’s the whole picture: the trade barriers that came with the implementation of the IMEI number law in Iran had initially choked the trading game. Adding to this has been the restriction on all mobile imports from Saudi Arabia through grey channels. One can clear goods in Saudi only if they have the official, stamped letter from the manufacturer and relevant authorities from the country of origin. With Iran and Saudi off, trading on the grey lines is a difficult proposition. Qatar has been blocked due to the regional situation, so no stock is currently flowing there, and Iraq’s major stock intake used to be for Iran.

In country UAE business has been decreasing due to the VAT law, as well as vagueness on rules for hand carry passengers at the airport. Traders have been moving to the Freezone, but then where to sell? This is the current challenge that has been haunting the local trade, and a new wave is upon the region to redefine the overall game of mobile trading and retail.