Mobile phone assembly falls 46% in August

Pakistan’s local mobile phone manufacturing and assembly sector saw a sharp month-on-month decline of 46 percent in August 2025. They produced 1.94 million units, according to fresh data from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Despite the slump, output was still 30 percent higher year-on-year due to a low base effect.

As per the latest data released by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), local mobile companies manufactured/assembled 1.94mn units during Aug 2025, up 30% YoY and down 46% MoM.How to Block a Stolen Mobile Phone?

 The YoY growth stems from a low base in Aug 2024, when sales declined due to excessive pre-buying in Jun 2024, ahead of the additional 18% GST imposed on mobile phones in the FY25 budget.

On the other hand, the MoM decline is primarily attributable to consumers postponing purchases during this period in anticipation of new phone model launches in the coming months (Sep/Oct).

In addition, the high base of Jul 2025, when sales had spiked due to the release of pent up demand after earlier supply chain disruptions, also contributed to the decline on MoM basis.

During 8M2025, locally manufactured/assembled mobile phone sales stood at 19.7mn units, down 3% YoY.

Of the 19.7mn locally assembled mobile phones in 8M2025, 51% (10mn units) were 2G phones, while the remaining 49% (9.7mn units) were smartphones.

 Pakistan fulfilled 94% of its mobile phone demand through local manufacturing/assembly during 8M2025.

Top 10 locally assembled brands in 8M2025 include VGO Tel (2.33mn units), followed by Infinix (2.24mn units), Vivo (1.75mn units), Itel (1.53mn units), Xiaomi (1.16mn units), Tecno (1.09mn units), Samsung (1.02mn units), Q Mobile (0.77mn units), Nokia (0.72mn units) and G’Five (0.71mn units).

Outlook: Going forward, we expect mobile phone sales to grow by 7-8% YoY over the next 12 months, supported by relatively low inflation. Furthermore, brands such as Samsung and Xiaomi typically launch new smartphone models around September every year, which is likely to further boost demand in the near term.

Within the listed space, Airlink Communication (AIRLINK) and Lucky Cement (LUCK) stand to benefit from the expected increase in demand, as their locally assembled brands like Tecno, Xiaomi, and Samsung rank among the top 10 in Pakistan.