If you’ve recently tried ordering something online and were shocked by the price, you’re not alone. Many people in Pakistan are wondering: Why are things suddenly so expensive?
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
The Shocking Price Hike
Just some time ago, a product that cost Rs. 5,000 is now priced at Rs. 27,000. Even a small item that was around Rs. 1,000 or Rs. 5,000 before has now seen a massive jump in price.
So, what exactly happened overnight?
The Impact of the New Budget
Recently, the federal budget of Pakistan was announced, and with it came a series of new taxes—especially on online shopping and international shipping. This has directly affected prices of products that are shipped from countries like China.
Platforms such as AliExpress, Temu, and other similar apps that were previously offering goods at affordable rates are now struggling. A lot of the cheaper shipping options have been removed or heavily taxed, making it difficult for sellers to send products at lower costs.
What Chinese Suppliers Are Saying
According to our conversation with a Chinese supplier, prices of products coming to Pakistan have increased by 200% to 300%. This isn’t just limited to shipping costs. Suppliers are also unsure about:
- When their products will reach Pakistan
- How much the final cost will be after taxes and duties
- How many Pakistani customers are even still purchasing
Previously, Pakistan had a low-cost shipping model that helped keep prices down. That has now vanished due to taxation and stricter regulations.
Apps Are Increasing Prices to Avoid Losses
Online platforms like AliExpress and Temu are now taking precautions. Since they can’t accurately predict how much a product will cost a customer in Pakistan after duties, they’re increasing the base prices by 200–300% to avoid losses.
For example:
- A product that used to cost Rs. 1,000 might now be Rs. 2,000 or even Rs. 3,000.
- Prices could be seen around Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,000 for items that were once very cheap.
They’re doing this not just to make profits but to protect themselves from financial damage due to uncertain tax policies and shipping hurdles.
Will Prices Stay This High?
Thankfully, this hike might not be permanent. Once these platforms get clarity on tax rates, shipping timelines, and customer data from Pakistan, they may revise their prices.
In short:
- Once things become stable and predictable
- And platforms know how much tax a product will face
- The prices are expected to normalize again
Final Thoughts
So, why are things expensive now?
- New government taxes in the budget
- Cancellation of cheap shipping routes
- Uncertainty for suppliers
- Online platforms increasing prices to stay safe
This is a temporary phase, but it’s definitely affecting everyone. What do you think about this price hike? Is it justified, or is it too much?
