COVID-19 caused a 30% fall in electronic and electrical equipment sales in low- and middle-income countries but only a 5% fall in high-income countries, intensifying the north-south digital divide, the UN says.
Sales of heavy appliances like refrigerators fell hardest (6-8%) while laptops, cell phones and gaming equipment defied the general trend, rising in high-income countries and on a global basis, but dropping in low- and middle-income countries.
Foreseen drop in 2020 sales-related e-waste : 4.9 million metric tonnes or ~6.4%; Pandemic intensified digital divide between high, middle and low income.
In the first three quarters of 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic caused a 30 per cent fall in electronic and electrical equipment sales in low and middle-income countries but only a five per cent decline in high-income countries. This highlights and .
Laptops, Cell Phones, eGames Defied Slump as COVID-19 Dented 2020’s Electronics Sales: UN
Foreseen drop in 2020 sales-related e-waste : 4.9 million metric tonnes or ~6.4%; Pandemic intensified digital divide between high, middle and low income countries.
UNU/UNITAR
9 June 2021, Bonn, Germany - In the first three quarters of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a 30% fall in electronic and electrical equipment sales in low- and middle-income countries but only a 5% decline in high-income countries, highlighting and intensifying the digital divide between north and south, according to a new UN report.
Worldwide, sales of heavy electric appliances like refrigerators, washing machines and ovens fell the hardest 6-8% while small IT and telecommunications equipment decreased by only 1.4%. Within the latter category, sales of laptops, cell phones and gaming equipment rose in high-income countries and on a global basis, but fell in low- and middle-income countries.