Pakistan imported mobile phones worth $1.36 billion during the first 11 months of the current fiscal year (FY25), according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). This marks a 16.31% decrease compared to $1.62 billion in the same period last year.
The month of May 2025 saw a sharp drop in mobile phone imports. Compared to May 2024, there was a 35.83% decline, and a 19.61% drop when compared to April 2025. Experts believe this fall may be due to reduced demand, rising prices, or stricter import policies.
While phone imports declined, the country’s overall exports showed improvement. From July 2024 to May 2025, Pakistan’s total merchandise exports grew by 5.15%, reaching $29.56 billion. This rise in exports is a positive sign for the economy, helping reduce the trade gap slightly.
On the other hand, overall imports increased during the same period. Imports rose by 7.50%, reaching $53.55 billion, compared to $49.82 billion in the corresponding period of FY24. The rise in imports is likely driven by increased demand for fuel, machinery, and raw materials for industries.
Although exports are rising, the widening gap between imports and exports continues to challenge the country’s trade balance. Policymakers may need to take steps to manage imports and encourage further export growth to improve the current account and economic stability.
