Pakistan assembles 3.59m mobiles in July, up 123pc YoY

KARACHI: Pakistan’s local mobile phone manufacturing and assembly industry witnessed a remarkable surge in July 2025, as domestic assemblers produced 3.59 million units, representing a growth of 123 per cent year-on-year (YoY) and 64 per cent month-on-month (MoM), according to data released by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

Industry experts attribute this sharp recovery primarily to low base effects. July 2024 was marked by weak sales following heavy pre-buying in June 2024, ahead of anticipated budgetary changes. Similarly, volumes in June 2025 were suppressed due to supply chain disruptions triggered by regional conflicts, pulling production down to just 2.19 million units. Against this backdrop, July’s performance reflects both a normalisation of operations and a bounce from depressed prior levels.

During the first seven months of 2025 (7MFY25), locally manufactured and assembled mobile phones totalled 17.83 million units, reflecting a 6.0 per cent decline compared to the same period last year. Despite the overall dip, the local industry managed to cater to 95 per cent of Pakistan’s mobile phone demand during this period, underscoring the country’s growing self-reliance in handset production.

The composition of the locally assembled units reveals the continued dominance of feature phones. Out of the 17.83 million units produced in 7MFY25, 52 per cent (9.36 million units) were 2G phones, while the remaining 48 per cent (8.47 million units) were smartphones. Analysts note that although smartphones are gradually gaining market share, feature phones still maintain significant demand, particularly in rural areas where affordability and limited internet connectivity drive preferences.

The market also remains highly competitive among brands. VGO Tel emerged as the top performer with 2.12 million units assembled, followed by Infinix with 2.01 million units, Itel with 1.53 million units, and Vivo with 1.38 million units. Other notable contributors include Xiaomi (1.04 million units), Samsung (0.93 million units), Tecno (0.89 million units), Q Mobile (0.72 million units), G’Five (0.7 million units), and Nokia (0.65 million units). Together, these brands account for the vast majority of the local handset market, reflecting a mix of both international and domestic players leveraging Pakistan’s growing assembly ecosystem.

Looking ahead, analysts foresee moderate but sustainable growth in the sector. According to Sania Irfan, analyst at Topline Research, mobile phone sales are expected to increase by 7 to 8 per cent YoY over the next 12 months, as base effects have largely normalised and overall inflationary pressures remain relatively contained.

She added that the launch of new smartphone models, particularly by brands like Samsung and Xiaomi in September, is likely to provide further push to consumer demand in the coming months.

With smartphone penetration on a gradual rise and local assembly gaining ground, the industry is likely to remain a key growth driver within Pakistan’s broader technology and manufacturing landscape, she said.