Business activity in the Bulgarian market for welded pipes is slowing down in view of seasonal factors and the approaching holidays in Europe. Nevertheless, Bulgarian pipe producers have managed to keep prices unchanged at the levels of two weeks ago as price cuts would be unlikely to stimulate much buying. However, market players believe that lower flat steel prices and minimal purchasing activity of both local and foreign buyers may force Bulgarian producers to take a backward step on prices in the coming period, while welded pipe suppliers in Bulgaria are resisting any downward price pressure due to expectations of a demand recovery in January.
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 1,030-1,050/mt ($714-728/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 €490-520/mt ($666-707/mt) ex-works on theoretical weight basis for December-January production. Export quotations of Bulgarian water and gas pipes according to EN 10255 are at €510-540/mt ($694-734/mt) ex-works.
$1 = BGN 1.44
€1 = $1.36