Pakistan imported mobile phones worth $1.36 billion during the first 11 months of the current fiscal year (FY25), showing a decline of 16.31% compared to the $1.62 billion spent during the same period last year. The figures were shared in recent data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
In May 2025 alone, mobile phone imports dropped sharply. Compared to May last year, imports were down by 35.83%. They also fell by 19.61% when compared to April 2025. This decline reflects reduced demand or tighter import controls on electronics.
Despite the drop in phone imports, the country’s overall export performance improved. Total exports between July and May of FY25 rose by 5.15%, reaching $29.56 billion. This shows progress in Pakistan’s efforts to boost exports and reduce reliance on imports.
However, imports overall increased by 7.50% during the same period, climbing to $53.55 billion from $49.82 billion in FY24. This rise in imports, despite falling phone purchases, could be due to higher prices of fuel, machinery, and raw materials.
The gap between imports and exports continues to challenge Pakistan’s trade balance. While higher exports are a positive sign, the increase in total imports could put pressure on the current account and foreign exchange reserves.
Officials are likely to monitor these trends closely as they try to stabilize the economy and manage the country’s trade and fiscal policies more effectively.
