Fresh data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) hints at major changes in consumer behavior or policy shifts.

According to PBS data, mobile phone imports stood at Rs416,550,000,000 (US$1.494 billion) from July to June 2024–25, while during the same period in 2023–24, they were Rs529,440,000,000 (US$1.898 billion).

The decline became even more dramatic on a year-to-year comparison. In June 2025, Pakistan imported Rs38,841,750,000 (US$139.425 million) worth of phones, a 49.95% plunge from Rs77,000,730,000 (US$278.574 million) in June 2024.

However, a surprising bounce occurred on a month-to-month basis. June 2025 imports surged 39.60% compared to Rs27,876,750,000 (US$99.875 million) in May 2025, showing a sudden recovery or seasonal demand.

Interestingly, despite the phone import dip, Pakistan’s overall trade is heating up. Exports rose 4.67%, reaching Rs8,951,730,000,000 (US$32.106 billion), compared to Rs8,547,075,000,000 (US$30.675 billion) in 2023–24.

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At the same time, imports also climbed 6.57%, totaling Rs16,892,040,000,000 (US$58.380 billion), up from Rs15,826,005,000,000 (US$54.779 billion) the year before, reflecting increased economic activity or demand for foreign goods.

This sharp dip in mobile phone imports might point to rising local production, heavy taxation, or reduced consumer purchasing power. Yet the spike in month-on-month imports suggests volatility or pent-up demand. Meanwhile, the rise in both exports and overall imports indicates economic resilience, though the widening trade deficit may require careful monitoring.