Pakistan’s Local Mobile Manufacturing Now Meets 97% of Domestic Demand

 

Pakistan’s local mobile phone manufacturing sector recorded strong growth in July 2026, with domestic factories producing or assembling approximately 3.90 million handsets during the month. This was 9% higher than July 2025 and more than double the 1.93 million units recorded in June, representing a monthly increase of 102%.

Meanwhile, mobile phone imports fell sharply to around 0.11 million units in July. Imports declined by 35% year-on-year and 83% compared with the previous month. With local production rising and imports falling, locally manufactured and assembled phones accounted for approximately 97% of domestic mobile phone demand during July, compared with 75% in May.

Despite the strong July performance, overall production during the first seven months of 2026 remained slightly below last year’s level. Local manufacturers produced around 17 million units from January to July, compared with 17.83 million during the same period in 2025, representing a decline of about 5%. During this period, local production met approximately 86% of total mobile phone demand.

The government is also seeking to strengthen the industry through its Mobile and Electronics Manufacturing Policy 2026–33. The policy aims to expand domestic manufacturing, create employment opportunities, attract investment, develop local capabilities, and support the growth of Pakistan’s mobile phone exports.

The sharp increase in July production highlights the growing role of local manufacturing in Pakistan’s mobile phone market, although maintaining consistent production levels and expanding the industry’s export potential will remain important for long-term growth.