ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) has revealed a dramatic 50 percent year-on-year (YoY) decline in the import of mobile phones for the month of June 2025.
The data indicates that the country imported mobile phones worth $139.43 million in June, significantly down from $278.57 million recorded in the same month last year.
Despite the sharp annual drop, the month-on-month (MoM) figures show a different trend.
According to PBS, the import of mobile phones surged by nearly 40% compared to May 2025, when imports stood at $100 million.
This unexpected rise is believed to be linked to budgetary expectations, as consumers and dealers rushed to secure shipments ahead of possible regulatory changes in the 2025–26 federal budget announced in June.
Over the broader fiscal year 2024–25, Pakistan witnessed a decline of more than 21% in mobile phones imports. Total mobile phones import during the year was recorded at $1.49 billion, down from $1.90 billion in fiscal year 2023–24, indicating a substantial contraction in consumer demand and import activity.
Industry analysts have cited multiple reasons behind this persistent slump. Among the primary factors is the rising cost of mobile phones, driven by higher customs duties, regulatory levies, and overall import taxes.
Additionally, economic pressures such as inflation, currency depreciation, and shrinking purchasing power have contributed to reduced demand for imported mobile phones among Pakistani consumers.
However, the sudden increase in import activity during June may have been driven by market speculation over impending fiscal measures. Retailers and distributors reportedly expedited orders to avoid anticipated price hikes or policy restrictions that could follow the budget announcement.
Analysts suggest that unless there is a substantial recovery in purchasing power or a reduction in taxes and regulatory costs, the long-term import volume of mobile phones may remain subdued.
The government may also look toward encouraging local assembly and production as a way to reduce the dependency on foreign import and manage the balance of payments more effectively.
The PBS will continue to monitor trends closely as economic conditions and trade policies evolve in the coming months
