Conditions in the Bulgarian longs market have not changed much over the past week, with demand continuing to lag behind market expectations.
Tight liquidity across the construction sector and ongoing uncertainties regarding budget-related payments have continued to restrict purchasing activity, leaving buyers focused mainly on immediate requirements. At the same time, suppliers have found it increasingly difficult to secure new orders, as cautious sentiments and limited cash availability have kept transaction volumes at relatively low levels. Against this backdrop, the market has remained largely stagnant, with little indication of stronger demand emerging in the short term.
As a result, domestic rebar prices are still heard at around €625-635/mt CPT Bulgaria, while wire rod prices continue to stand at approximately €670-690/mt CPT. Although official indications have not changed, some suppliers are reported to be showing greater flexibility in order to secure sales in an environment where buying interest remains insufficient to generate stronger market momentum.
Meanwhile, in the import market, activity in the Bulgarian longs market has remained limited this week, with no fresh bookings reported since the latest purchases of Italian origin material. While buying interest has remained subdued, some market participants expect import prices to soften further in the coming period, which could encourage a resumption of purchasing activity.
Among non-EU suppliers, Turkish rebar offers are currently heard at $580-600/mt FOB, compared to $585-595/mt FOB reported last week. Taking into account freight costs of around €20-25/mt, these levels translate to approximately €520-545/mt CFR Bulgaria, versus €530-540/mt CFR heard previously. Egyptian rebar offers are currently estimated at $590-600/mt FOB, while wire rod offers are heard at $610-615/mt FOB. Based on prevailing freight rates of around €25-30/mt, these indications correspond to roughly €530-550/mt CFR Bulgaria for rebar and €550-560/mt CFR Bulgaria for wire rod. Compared to last week, rebar levels have remained broadly stable, while wire rod offers have moved slightly lower from €555-565/mt CFR.
As for EU origin material, Italian rebar offers are currently heard at around €655/mt CPT Bulgaria, down from approximately €665/mt CPT reported a week earlier. Estimated Romanian rebar prices, meanwhile, have remained stable at €660-670/mt delivered to Bulgaria.
Author: SteelOrbis Editorial Team
