KARACHI: Pakistan has imported mobile phones worth Rs92.8 billion during the first four months of the current fiscal year, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Wednesday.
The import of mobile phones in terms of Pak Rupee increased by 52.33 percent to Rs92.8 billion during July to October of the fiscal year 2020/2021, as compared with Rs61 billion in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year.
The significant increase in mobile phone imports can be attributed to the rising demand for digital services in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, more people turned to digital platforms for communication, work, education, and financial services, thereby driving up the demand for mobile devices.
Industry sources indicated that the demand for mobile phones grew significantly during the lockdown. People needed these devices for various purposes, including accessing online financial services, participating in remote learning, and staying connected with family and friends. The pandemic highlighted the essential role of mobile phones in maintaining daily routines and accessing essential services, contributing to the surge in imports.
Another factor contributing to the growth in mobile phone imports is the depreciation of the Pak Rupee during the periods of comparison. The rupee’s depreciation made imported goods more expensive, leading to a higher reported value in rupee terms even if the quantity of imports did not increase proportionately.
In dollar terms, the import of mobile phones increased by 43.6 percent to $557 million during the first four months of the current fiscal year, compared with $388 million in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year. This reflects the robust demand and the economic adjustments due to the rupee’s depreciation.
However, despite the overall increase, the import of mobile phones in terms of US dollars registered a decline of 46 percent to $63.89 million in October 2020, compared with $118.65 million in the same month of the previous year. Similarly, the country imported mobile phones worth Rs10.59 billion in October 2020, compared with Rs18.5 billion in the same month of the last year, showing a decline of 42.75 percent.
This month-to-month decline suggests a possible stabilization or adjustment in demand after an initial surge, or it could be influenced by supply chain disruptions and other economic factors. The overall trend, however, underscores the significant impact of the pandemic on consumer behavior and the increasing importance of mobile phones in everyday life.
