Key Takeaways:
- Import Decline: Mobile phone imports in Pakistan decreased by 13.6% during the first four months of FY 2024-25 compared to the same period last year.
- Local Production Growth: Local manufacturing and assembly of mobile phones significantly increased, with 22.59 million units produced in the first nine months of 2024.
- Shift Towards Self-Reliance: The decline in imports and the rise in local production reflect a broader strategy to reduce reliance on imports and promote self-reliance in the telecom sector.
Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan’s mobile phone imports have experienced a significant decline in the first four months of the current fiscal year, while local production of mobile devices has surged. This shift reflects a growing emphasis on local manufacturing to reduce import dependency and bolster the country’s economy.
Mobile phone imports from July to October 2024 amounted to $420.799 million, a 13.6% decrease compared to the same period last year. In rupee terms, the decline was 13.62%. However, October 2024 saw a notable month-on-month surge in mobile phone imports, indicating potential fluctuations in the market.
Despite this recent increase, the overall trend points towards a decline in imports as local production ramps up. In the first nine months of 2024, local manufacturing and assembly plants produced 22.59 million mobile handsets, significantly exceeding the 1.17 million units imported commercially during the same period.
“The decline in imports aligns with a growing emphasis on local mobile phone production,” stated the report, highlighting the government’s focus on promoting domestic manufacturing.
This shift towards local production is a strategic move to reduce reliance on imports, conserve foreign exchange, and promote self-reliance in the telecom sector. The local production of mobile devices not only caters to domestic demand but also presents opportunities for export and economic growth.
The data also reveals a significant increase in smartphone penetration in Pakistan, with 64% of mobile devices on the network being smartphones. This indicates a growing demand for advanced mobile technology and data services in the country.
Pakistan’s efforts to promote local mobile phone production are aligned with its broader economic goals. By reducing import dependency and fostering domestic manufacturing, the country aims to strengthen its economy, create jobs, and enhance its technological capabilities.
