The Bulgarian longs market has shown mixed trends this week, with weaker domestic demand weighing on rebar prices, while wire rod values have remained relatively firm.
Market participants report that business activities have slowed amid growing financial uncertainty following recent political developments and the revision of several state funding programs. As a result, purchasing activity has remained cautious, with most buyers limiting orders to immediate requirements and avoiding significant restocking. Despite the subdued domestic market, some attractive offers have been observed in the import segment, particularly regarding EU-origin material. Sources indicate that Italian suppliers have become increasingly aggressive in their rebar pricing strategies, seeking to attract buyers in a market where overall consumption remains weak. In contrast, interest in non-EU imports continues to be limited, as safeguard quota restrictions and CBAM-related concerns discourage new bookings and reduce the competitiveness of import material.
Against this backdrop, workable rebar prices in Bulgaria have softened slightly and are currently reported at around €630-640/mt CPT, compared to €640-650/mt CPT recorded previously. The wire rod segment has, meanwhile, remained more resilient, supported by relatively balanced supply conditions and the absence of significant selling pressure. Current offers are reported at €680-700/mt CPT, up from €680-690/mt CPT, although most transactions continue to be concluded closer to €680-690/mt CPT.
In the import market, Turkish rebar offers are currently estimated at around $590-600/mt FOB. After accounting for freight costs of approximately €20-25/mt, these levels would translate to roughly €530-540/mt CFR Bulgaria, compared to €525-545/mt CFR heard a week earlier. Egyptian suppliers are, meanwhile, estimated to be offering rebar at around $600-610/mt FOB and wire rod at approximately $620-625/mt FOB. Based on prevailing freight rates of around €25-30/mt, these indications would correspond to approximately €535-550/mt CFR Bulgaria for rebar and €555-565/mt CFR Bulgaria for wire rod.
As for EU-origin material, Italian rebar offers have recently been heard at around €665/mt CPT Bulgaria. Meanwhile, Romanian rebar is estimated at approximately €660-670/mt delivered to Bulgaria, reflecting current domestic levels in Romania and transportation costs of roughly €30/mt. However, market participants indicate that workable levels around €20/mt lower may still be achievable in selected transactions.
