In the Bulgarian welded pipe market domestic and export quotations have increased by €20-70/mt over the past two weeks as a result of price increases in raw materials and flat products. Buyer activity from foreign customers continues to improve, while demand in the domestic market remains moderate. It seems that price increases will continue in the Bulgarian welded pipe market amid the global upward trend for flats caused by increased raw material costs.
Current offers of locally produced welded pipes and hollow sections of 2-5 mm wall thickness made from S235JR grade HRC according to EN 10219 are being given to the domestic market at around €550-560/mt ex-works, exclusive of 20 percent VAT and on actual weight basis. Offers of similar pipes with wall thickness of 1.5 mm made from HRC are in the range €580-600/mt ex-works. Domestic quotations of water and gas ERW pipes made to EN 10255 are at €570-580/mt ex-works.
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 €550-600/mt ex-works on a theoretical weight basis. ERW pipes with 1.2-1.4 mm wall thickness made from CR steel are priced in foreign markets at about €690-700/mt ex-works. Export quotations of Bulgarian water and gas pipes according to EN 10255 are at €590-640/mt ex-works. ERW galvanized pipes with wall thickness 2-3 mm made to DIN 2440/2444 are quoted in foreign markets on average at €800-820/mt ex-works.