The Bulgarian long position market has faced further pressure this week as sluggish demand and ongoing liquidity constraints continue to weigh on market sentiment. Market participants report that buyers continue to be cautious, focusing primarily on immediate needs rather than large-volume purchases in difficult financial conditions.
Thus, trading activity remained relatively limited, while a decrease in consumer interest led to lower prices across the market. At the same time, suppliers are facing increasing pressure to secure orders, which contributes to increased competition in the market compared to previous weeks.
"Demand remains limited, and prices can vary significantly depending on tonnage, destination, and payment terms. For serious buyers, lower levels than the official market figures may still be achievable," said a SteelOrbis trader.
In the local market, prices for rebar in Bulgaria decreased to about 625-635 euros per ton without VAT, compared with 630-640 euros per ton without VAT, which were previously reported. However, sources indicate that there have also been recent offers on the market for rates of 620-625 euros per ton, especially from suppliers seeking to secure larger volumes of supplies. Wire rod prices, meanwhile, decreased to about 670-690 euros per ton without VAT, compared with 680-700 euros per ton without VAT, which were reported a week earlier.
Despite the low growth rates of domestic demand, Bulgarian buyers continue to monitor import opportunities, especially as foreign suppliers strive to maintain their competitiveness in the market. Although there have been no reports of new import orders this week, interest in imported materials remains. Turkish rebar offers are currently estimated at about 585-595 dollars per ton on FOB terms. After taking into account transportation costs of about 20-25 euros per ton, these levels will amount to about 530-540 euros per ton in Bulgaria, which is generally unchanged from the levels reported a week earlier. Egyptian suppliers, meanwhile, are estimated to offer rebar at a price of about 595-600 dollars per ton on FOB terms and wire rod at about 605-610 dollars per ton on FOB terms. Based on the prevailing freight rates, which are about 25-30 euros per ton, these figures will correspond to about 540-550 euros per ton of rebar in Bulgaria and 550-560 euros per ton of wire rod in Bulgaria, compared with 535-550 euros per ton and 555-565 euros per ton, respectively, which
