No significant changes have been observed in the Bulgarian welded pipe market over the past two weeks. Demand for Bulgarian welded pipes from both local and foreign buyers remains extremely poor given the absence of new investment projects. However, Bulgarian pipe makers have left their domestic and export quotations unchanged over the past two weeks, thinking that prices have already reached the bottom. Bulgarian welded pipe producers hope to maintain prices at current levels throughout the summer taking into account anticipated low buying activity during the coming vacation season.
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 ($705-710/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 €500-520/mt ($630-655/mt) ex-works on theoretical weight basis for July production. Offers of similar Bulgarian pipes with wall thickness of 1.5 mm made from HRC as per EN 10219 are at around €530-550/mt ($667-692/mt) ex-works for July rolling. Export quotations of Bulgarian water and gas pipes according to EN 10255 are at €520-540/mt ($655-680/mt) ex-works.
€1 = $1.259