Bulgarian welded pipe makers have reported some upturn in business activity from overseas buyers, especially from Germany, Poland and Baltic countries, amid the seasonal revival in construction. As a result, export offers of Bulgarian welded pipes have increased by around €10/mt ($13/mt) over the past two weeks. At the same time, domestic quotations have remained unchanged against a background of slack demand from consuming industries.
Market operators believe the Bulgarian welded pipe market will be quiet in the short run as there are no factors supporting demand growth. At the same time, Bulgarian exporters may raise their welded pipe offers in an attempt to compensate for losses, taking advantage of gradually improving foreign demand.
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 €530-550/mt ($694-721/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 €500-510/mt ($655-668/mt) ex-works on theoretical weight basis for May production, and at €520-530/mt ($681-694/mt) ex-works for lots less than 1,000 mt. Export offers of similar Bulgarian pipes with wall thickness of 1.5 mm made from HRC as per EN 10219 are at around €530-560/mt ($694-734/mt) ex-works. Export quotations of Bulgarian water and gas pipes according to EN 10255 are at €520-540/mt ($681-707/mt) ex-works.
€1 = $1.31