Trading activity in the Bulgarian welded pipe market has been relatively scarce over the past two weeks on account of the Christmas and New Year holidays. However, Bulgarian pipe producers have maintained quotations at previous levels, citing higher production costs.
Market players believe prices for hot rolled coils (HRC) will continue to go up in January, which will in turn affect welded pipe prices. Welded pipe offers from Bulgarian producers are also very likely to increase after buyers return from their holidays.
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 Bulgarian domestic market at around €560-565/mt ($745-751/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 ($705-718/mt) ex-works on theoretical weight basis for January-February production for small orders, and at €500-520/mt ($665-692/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 ($705-758/mt) ex-works for January-February rolling. Export quotations of Bulgarian water and gas pipes according to EN 10255 are at €520-560/mt ($692-745/mt) ex-works.
€1 = $1.33