Bulgarian welded pipe prices have continued to climb up during the past two weeks due to higher quotations of flat steel material. Business activity remains very low in the domestic market amid weak demand from consuming industries. At the same time, most players report better demand from customers in other European countries. Over the past two weeks, export quotations for Bulgarian welded pipes have risen by €30-40/mt, while domestic prices have moved up by €30-35/mt during the same period. Bulgarian pipe makers intend to increase their prices by another €20/mt for March production on the back of expected stronger demand and higher production costs.
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 €605-615/mt (BGN 1,180-1,200/mt) ex-works, exclusive of 20 percent VAT and on theoretical weight basis. Offers of welded pipes with wall thickness of 1.4 mm made from cold rolled coil (CRC) are at around €715-720/mt (BGN 1,400-1,410/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 €560-580/mt ex-works on theoretical weight basis (or at €580-610/mt ex-works on actual weight basis). Offers of similar Bulgarian pipes with wall thickness of 1.5 mm made from HRC as per EN 10219 are at around €600-610/mt ex-works. Export quotations of Bulgarian water and gas pipes according to EN 10255 are at €580-600/mt ex-works.