The Bulgarian welded pipe market is seeing slack demand from both local and foreign buyers during the summer holiday season. However, domestic and export prices of Bulgarian welded pipes have been holding firm over the past two weeks supported by relatively stable feedstock costs. Demand in the domestic and export markets has dried up too ahead of the summer holidays, as traders delay new purchases amid poor interest from consuming industries. However, welded pipe producers in Bulgaria hope to keep their prices at current levels in the coming period, citing high production costs, with a positive correction expected towards the end of the summer, when buying activity is expected to revive.
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 BGN 980-1,000/mt ($676-690/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 levels of €490-530/mt ($661-715/mt) ex-works on theoretical weight basis. Export quotations of Bulgarian water and gas pipes according to EN 10255 are at €520-550/mt ($702-742/mt) ex-works.
$1 = BGN 1.45
€1 = $1.35