Prices for welded pipes in Bulgaria have remained unchanged over the past two weeks. Despite quite low stocks, business activity of local customers is still moderate due to the weakness of the construction sector in the region. Meanwhile, the situation in the export segment is somewhat better given rather stable demand from neighboring European countries. Welded pipe prices in Bulgaria are not expected to drop in the near future due to expected better demand in spring and strong support from foreign consumers.
Current offers of locally produced welded pipes and hollow sections of 2-5 mm wall thickness made from S235JR grade hot rolled coil (HRC) according to EN 10219 are being given to the Bulgarian domestic market at around €610-615/mt (BGN 1,200/mt) ex-works, exclusive of 20 percent VAT and on theoretical weight basis.
Export quotations of Bulgarian ERW pipes and hollow sections of 2-5 mm wall thickness made from S235JR grade HRC as per EN 10219 are at the level of €600-610/mt ex-works on theoretical weight basis for March production. Offers of similar Bulgarian pipes with wall thickness of 1.5 mm made from HRC as per EN 10219 are at around €630-640/mt ex-work for March rolling. Export quotations of Bulgarian water and gas pipes according to EN 10255 are at €620-630/mt ex-works.