Used imports dominate as local factories slow down: used smartphones
Pakistan’s mobile phone factories are losing ground to imported handsets. Data from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority shows that used smartphones made up the bulk of fully built phones imported in September, while domestic smartphone production dropped well below its usual monthly level.
Pakistan imported 105,121 used smartphones in September, valued at about $14.03 million. In the same month, another 23,616 new fully built mobile phones were imported at a value of around $19.40 million.
Together, imports of new and used fully built smartphones reached 128,737 units during the month, worth roughly $33.43 million.
September’s numbers
Used smartphones accounted for nearly 82 per cent of the total fully built imported phones, showing a clear shift in demand toward second-hand devices. Local smartphone production, in contrast, fell to just 628,030 units in September.
| Segment | September volume |
|---|---|
| Used smartphone imports | 105,121 units ($14.03m) |
| New fully built imports | 23,616 units ($19.40m) |
| Local smartphone production | 628,030 units |
| Local feature phone production | ~1.053m units |
The volume of fully built smartphone imports was equal to around one-fifth of domestic smartphone output. Across locally made and imported fully built smartphones combined, imported devices made up roughly 17 per cent of total volume.
The trend has been less sharp in the feature phone segment. Local manufacturers produced about 1.053 million feature phones in September, and demand for lower-priced handsets has stayed comparatively steady as buyers face tight budgets.
Manufacturers warn of factory closures
Manufacturers are under pressure from several directions, including higher smartphone taxes, weaker consumer purchasing power and rising competition from used imported devices.
Aamir Allahwala, senior vice president of the Pakistan Mobile Phone Manufacturers Association, has raised concern over the mix of rising imports and falling domestic production. He warned that factories could be forced to close if local manufacturing becomes commercially unsustainable, putting jobs across the sector at risk.
Industry stakeholders are asking the government to rethink mobile phone taxation and import policies. They argue that growing dependence on imported devices threatens domestic production and employment while adding pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
Frequently asked questions
How many used phones did Pakistan import in September?
Pakistan imported 105,121 used smartphones in September, valued at about $14.03 million, according to PTA data.
What share of imports were used phones?
Used smartphones accounted for nearly 82 per cent of all fully built imported phones during the month.
Why is local production falling?
Industry leaders blame high smartphone taxes, weak purchasing power and competition from cheaper used imports, and have warned that factories could shut down if conditions do not improve.
Related stories
- 2,276 Used Cars Reached Pakistan in September: Automakers Say Rs3.4 Billion of Local Parts Business Is at Risk
- McDonald’s Pakistan Celebrates 28 Years of Growth With Local Partners
- Best Camera Phones Under 50000 Pakistan in 2026 – Top Picks with Detailed Comparison
- 10 Best Mobile Phones Under Rs 50,000 in Pakistan Worth Buying in 2026
Originally reported by propakistani.pk.
