Local manufacturing of mobile phones down by 8pc in Nov

ISLAMABAD: As per the latest data released by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), local mobile companies have manufactured/assembled 2.31 million units, down 8 percent YoY & 35 percent MoM in Nov-2024.

To recall, in Oct-2024, local mobile companies manufactured/assembled 3.53 million units, marking an increase of 34 percent YoY and 64 percent MoM — the highest monthly production after 7 months.

This takes total locally manufactured/assembled sales for 11M2024 to 28.43 million units up 57 percent YoY. This significant improvement is mainly due to the import restrictions imposed last year.

However if we compare it with 11M2022, the growth is still 44 percent YoY. This growth is mainly driven by economic recovery, increasing share on locally assembled mobile phones amid higher taxes on imported phones, and growing population among others.

Within the locally assembled mobile phones of 28.43 million units during 11M2024, 60 percent (17.01mn units) are smartphones, while the remaining 40 percent (11.42 million units) are 2G phones.

Top 10 locally assembled brands during 11M2024 includes, Infinix (3.65 million units), followed by Itel (3.34 million units), VGO Tel (3.07 million units), Vivo (2.57 million units), Tecno (2.53 million units), Xiaomi (2.19 million units), Realme (1.61 million units), G’Five (1.41 million units), Samsung (1.26 million units), and Nokia (1.20 million units).

According to Sunny Kumar from Topline Research, with the current monthly run rate, the total demand for mobile phones will reach 32.9 million units in 2024, compared to 22.9 million units sold in 2023, representing a 44 percent YoY increase.

Within the listed space, Air Link Communication’s (AIRLINK’s) assembled mobile phones, Tecno and Xiaomi rank among the top 10 during 11M2024. “We believe AIRLINK is well-positioned to capitalise on the growing smartphone sales in Pakistan.