Made in Pakistan Phones Now Market Kings, But Where is the Price Benefit?

Pakistan’s mobile phone manufacturing sector continued to expand, with local production rising sharply during March 2026, according to the latest figures released by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.

However, phones are only getting more expensive. Where is the price benefit?

Domestic manufacturers and assemblers produced 2.79 million mobile phones during March, marking a 20 percent increase compared to 2.33 million units assembled in the same month last year.

During the first quarter of 2026, cumulative local production reached 7.36 million units, showing a modest year-on-year increase of 2 percent. The data highlights Pakistan’s growing reliance on domestic assembly, with 86 percent of total mobile phone demand now being met through local manufacturing rather than imports.

Industry volumes were led by VGO TEL, which assembled 1.12 million units in the first quarter. It was followed by major global and regional smartphone brands including Infinix, Vivo, Samsung, Itel, Tecno, Nokia, X Mobile, OPPO, and Realme, all maintaining strong assembly activity within Pakistan.

The continued rise in local production reflects policy incentives encouraging device assembly inside the country, but price benefit remains missing.

Last week, the Directorate General of Customs Valuation, Karachi, issued revised customs values for the import of 62 brands of old and used mobile phones imported in commercial quantities without packing or accessories.

Rates for brands like Apple, Sharp, Samsung, Google Pixel, and OnePlus saw big increase mostly due to higher PTA taxes.

The new customs values will apply regardless of the grade or physical condition of the used mobile phones.

Not a single phone is made in pakistan. No matter what you say