Over the past two weeks domestic quotations of Bulgarian welded pipes have not changed, while export prices have declined by €50-60/mt. Export sales remain more profitable for Bulgarian welded pipe producers; however, a slowdown in demand from foreign customers has been observed recently. The domestic market is still depressed and traders prefer to buy only small quantities of material. Market participants expect to see a further decline in buying activity due to the summer holidays. As a result, welded pipe prices are expected to decrease in the coming period.
Current offers of locally produced welded pipes and hollow sections of 2-5 mm wall thickness made from S235JR grade HRC according to EN 10219 are being given to the domestic market at around €610-620/mt ex-works, exclusive of 20 percent VAT and on actual weight basis. Offers of similar pipes with wall thickness of 1.5 mm made from HRC are in the range of €650-660/mt ex-works. Domestic quotations of water and gas ERW pipes made to EN 10255 are at €630-640/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 €560-600/mt ex-works on actual weight basis for July production. Offers of similar pipes with wall thickness of 1.5 mm made from S235JR grade HRC as per EN10219 are in the range of €610-650/mt ex-works. Export quotations of Bulgarian water and gas pipes according to EN 10255 are at €600-620/mt ex-works.