Will Mobile Phone Prices Really Fall After Duty Cuts? Consumers Remain Skeptical

Although the government has reduced import duties on mobile phones, consumers remain uncertain about whether prices will actually decrease in the local market.

The National Board of Revenue has slashed import duties on mobile phones from 25 percent to 10 percent and reduced duties on components for locally assembled devices from 10 percent to 5 percent. Authorities estimate that these measures could lower prices by up to BDT 5,500 for high-end phones and around BDT 1,500 for lower-priced models.

However, market data shows that many popular smartphone models saw price hikes of BDT 2,000 to 5,000 at the beginning of the year. Industry insiders admit that any price reduction may simply offset these earlier increases rather than deliver real savings to consumers.

Analysts and consumer rights groups argue that unless duties are reduced further and fair competition is ensured, the benefits of tax cuts will largely remain with importers and manufacturers, leaving consumers with little relief.