Decrease in Mobile Phone Imports Creates Opportunity for Local Mobile Manufacturers

PTA DIRBS system has started encouraging the local mobile manufacturers as local assembly hit a record number of 5.4 million devices in only 5 months of the current year (last year it was less than 5 million for the entire period). The system while helping with eliminating the illegal cellphones in the country is replacing them by low cost local mobile devices.

According to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), there has been a decline of 8.18 percent in mobile phones import from July 2018 to May 2019. It remained $697.811 million compared to $759.936 million during the same period last year. Mobile phone imports in May 2019 stood at $65.810 million as compared to $781.360 million imports in May 2018. According to the latest data released by the (PBS), last month’s figure was 12.03 percent lower when compared to $74.813 million in April 2019.

Decrease in Mobile Phone Imports Creates Opportunity for Local Mobile Manufacturers

Mobile phones import witnessed a growth of 19.44 percent in the fiscal year 2017-18 as it was $847.654 million compared to $709.690 million during the same period of 2016-17.

The local industry saw a positive change, as overall telecom imports saw a decrease of 8.57 percent during July-May (2018-19).  The local assembly of mobile phones is expected to double by year-end. Total imports were recorded at $1.276 billion during this period when compared to $1.396 billion in July-May (2017-18). This figure stood at $119.588 million in May 2019 as compared to $125.130 million during April 2019.

Other telecom apparatus imports decreased to 9.04 percent in July-May (2018-19) as it stood at $578.611 million against $636.127 million during the same period of last year.

The decrease in mobile phone imports is appreciable as it will further encourage the local mobile industry. Industry expert believes, it that now its time for local mobile manufacturers to flourish their businesses and boost the local mobile industry.

Once the mobile manufacturing business flourishes in Pakistan, then Pakistan will not only be able to fulfill local needs but will also be able to offer products to other smaller markets of the region.

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