PTA data shows handset imports surged 540% year-on-year, lifting overall mobile phone supply
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s local mobile phone production declined 12% year-on-year (YoY) in June 2026, while handset imports surged sharply, increasing the overall supply of mobile phones in the domestic market, according to the latest data released by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The PTA reported that local manufacturers and assemblers produced 1.93 million mobile phones during June, down from 2.19 million units in the corresponding month last year. On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, production also slipped 4% from 2.0 million units assembled in May 2026.
Mobile phone imports surge
Despite weaker domestic manufacturing, Pakistan’s overall mobile phone availability increased significantly as imports accelerated.
The country imported 0.64 million mobile phones in June 2026, compared with 0.10 million units in June 2025, marking a 540% YoY increase. Imports also doubled from 0.32 million units in May, reflecting a 100% MoM rise.
Consequently, the total number of mobile phones available in the local market reached 2.57 million units during June, representing a 12% increase year-on-year and an 11% rise month-on-month.
Market analysts attributed the surge in imports to pre-budget buying activity and stronger consumer demand for premium smartphones following the launch of AIRLINK’s Apple mono store in Pakistan.
Domestic production declines in first half of 2026
The slowdown was also reflected in cumulative production figures.
Between January and June 2026, local manufacturers assembled 13.10 million mobile phones, compared with 14.24 million units during the same period in 2025, a decline of 8%.
Meanwhile, mobile phone imports reached 2.55 million units during the first six months of the year, registering a 197% increase compared with the corresponding period last year.
The data suggests that imported smartphones captured a larger share of the domestic market despite Pakistan’s continued reliance on local assembly.
Share of locally assembled phones declines
The increase in imported handsets reduced the contribution of locally assembled devices to overall market demand.
According to the PTA, locally manufactured and assembled phones accounted for 75% of Pakistan’s total mobile phone demand in June 2026, compared with 86% in May.
However, domestic production remained the dominant source of supply over the first half of the year, meeting 85% of total handset demand between January and June.
Outlook
The latest PTA figures indicate that Pakistan’s mobile phone assembly industry continues to play a central role in meeting domestic demand, although rising imports have temporarily reduced its market share.
Industry analysts expect production trends to stabilise in the coming months as post-budget demand normalises and manufacturers adjust output in response to changing consumer preferences and market conditions.