Panipat, FEB 6:Panipat’s blanket industry is undergoing a massive expansion, now fulfilling 99 per cent of India’s domestic demand and positioning itself to challenge China’s global market share. Often referred to as the “Textile City,” Panipat has scaled from just 12 manufacturing units a decade ago to 150 units today, producing a world-leading 4,000 tonnes of blankets every day.
Local industry leaders noted that new international trade prospects are expected to accelerate this growth. The upcoming Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the United Kingdom and the European Union, alongside trade deals with the United States, are seen as pivotal for the sector. These agreements are expected to lower tariffs, allowing Panipat’s mink, flano, and polar blankets to compete more effectively with Chinese exports.
Naveen Bansal, president of the Bapoli Industrial Zone, mentioned that the transformation of the sector has been dramatic. “Panipat tops the world by manufacturing more than 4,000 tonnes of blankets per day. As many as 150 units are manufacturing flano and mink blankets here and supplying the products not only to Indian markets, but also exporting these abroad,” he said.
The shift away from Chinese imports is nearly complete, with Indian manufacturers now dominating the local landscape and expanding into the Middle East. While current exports remain at a modest 50 tonnes per day, manufacturers are optimistic that global participation will rise from the current three per cent to 20 per cent under the new trade frameworks.
Vinod Dhamija, Chairman of the Haryana Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Panipat chapter, noted that advanced technology is the key to this success. “China is a strong competitor of India in blanket, bedsheets and towel across the globe, but now India has done the FTA with UK and EU, after which the blanket industry will be able to beat its strong competitor China more comfortably,” he said.
