PTBP Web Desk
importation of mobile phones during the initial four months of the fiscal year 2024-25 provides a fascinating case study into the nation’s economic and technological trends. According to the latest data, the country has spent approximately USD $420.799 million on mobile phone imports from July to October 2024, marking a 10.46 percent decrease compared to the $469.969 million recorded in the same period of the previous fiscal year. This reduction reflects a broader economic strategy or perhaps a shift in consumer behavior or import policies.
The import value in the preceding fiscal year (2023-24) was significantly higher at $1.898 billion, which itself was a considerable jump from $570.071 million in FY 2022-23, indicating a volatile import pattern influenced by various economic factors. When converted to local currency, the imports for the first four months of FY 2024-25 stood at Rs117.017 billion, showing a 13.62 percent negative growth compared to Rs135.468 billion last year, highlighting the impact of currency fluctuations on import expenses.
The data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) also revealed a notable Month-on-Month (MoM) increase in October 2024, with mobile phone imports rising by 69.89 percent to $174.338 million from $102.618 million in September. This surge could be attributed to seasonal demand, promotional sales, or perhaps the introduction of new models in the market. Despite the yearly decline, October 2024 showed a slight 5.06 percent increase in mobile phone imports compared to October 2023, suggesting a complex interplay between global supply chains, consumer preferences, and economic policies.
From July to October, the total telecom imports were $609.520 million, a modest growth of 0.44 percent over the $606.833 million from the previous year. October’s telecom imports saw a significant 53.92 percent increase MoM, reaching $235.349 million from $152.905 million in September. Over the year, there was a 13.27 percent increase in October’s telecom imports compared to the same month in 2023.
Amidst the import trends, a substantial development has been the boost in local manufacturing and assembly. During the first nine months of 2024, 22.59 million mobile handsets were produced locally, overshadowing the 1.17 million imported commercially. This includes 8.73 million 2G phones and 13.86 million smartphones, indicating a strong inclination towards smartphone adoption. In September alone, local manufacturing hit 2.15 million units against 0.07 million imports, showcasing the capability and preference for domestically assembled phones.
The data from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) shows that 64 percent of mobile devices on the network are smartphones, with 36 percent being 2G phones. This statistic not only reflects the technological advancement in consumer preferences but also the penetration of internet-capable devices across the country.
The fluctuations in mobile phone imports in Pakistan for FY 2024-25 reflect broader economic strategies, local manufacturing capacities, and consumer trends towards higher-end mobile technology. The government’s push towards local assembly, combined with fluctuating import figures, paints a picture of a country balancing between global trade dynamics and fostering domestic industrial growth. This scenario is crucial for stakeholders in the tech industry, policymakers, and consumers alike, as it affects market availability, pricing, and technological advancement within Pakistan.
