No significant changes have been observed in Bulgarian welded pipe prices in the past two weeks, with domestic producers keeping their prices fairly stable in the given period.
The domestic market is characterized by significant oversupply and by weaker consumption amid seasonal factors and financial difficulties, while demand in some of the main export destinations remains moderate. Meanwhile, welded pipe prices in Bulgaria are expected to go up by around €10-20/mt ($13-26/mt) in January on the back of higher production costs, despite sluggish buying activity.
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 €560-565/mt ($734-740/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 €530-540/mt ($694-707/mt) ex-works on theoretical weight basis for December production for small orders, and at €500-520/mt ($655-681/mt) ex-works for lots of over 1,000 mt. Offers of similar Bulgarian pipes with wall thickness of 1.5 mm made from HRC as per EN 10219 are at around €530-570/mt ($694-747/mt) ex-works for December rolling. Export quotations of Bulgarian water and gas pipes according to EN 10255 are at €520-560/mt ($681-734/mt) ex-works.
€1 = $1.31