Welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for welded circular-section stainless steel tubes and pipes in Bulgaria expanded from 6 400 t in 2018 to a peak of 9 172 t in 2020, an increase of over 40%. After this high point, the market contracted, falling to 5 290 t in 2023 and further to 5 189 t in 2024.

In 2022, several regulatory changes were implemented that affected the construction sector. Ordinance No. RD-02-20-1 introduced specific requirements for the use of stainless steels in steel structures, including limitations on hot forming and mandatory marking of stainless steel elements. Updated tunnel design regulations mandated the use of stainless steel for metal parts to enhance safety and align with European standards. A building energy savings ordinance also came into force, likely influencing material choices in construction.

Production welded circular stainless pipes in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Bulgaria, the output value of welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles reached 8 679 thousand US dollars in 2020. This represents a 14.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 53.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 15.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 2.9%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018, at 37.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Bulgaria's production volume of welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 6 914 tonnes, marking a sharp rise of 45.2% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production expanded by 86.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 23.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports welded circular stainless pipes from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend over the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.3-fold fluctuation between these years. In 2020, Bulgaria exported 437 tonnes of welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles, reflecting a 22.6% drop year-over-year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 564 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 185.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, no single market dominated Bulgaria's exports of welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles in volume terms. Germany accounted for 23.6% of exports, Romania for 14.1%, and Belgium for 11.2%. Together, these three countries represented 48.9% of total exports, with many smaller partners each holding modest individual shares.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, changing by 1.9 times over this period. In 2020, Bulgaria's exports of welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles amounted to 2 207 thousand US dollars, showing a moderate decrease of 9.1% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 428 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 82.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Romania, and Austria formed the main group of destinations for Bulgaria's exports of welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles in value terms. Germany accounted for 48.3% of exports, Romania for 9.8%, and Austria for 7.9%. Together, these three countries represented 66.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020

Imports welded circular stainless pipes to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria imported approximately 2 694 tonnes of welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles, up by 8.6% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 25.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 4.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 20.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Italy, Germany, and China formed the core group of markets for Bulgaria's imports of welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles in volume terms. Italy accounted for 50.2% of imports, Germany for 14.5%, and China for 10.1%. Together, these three countries represented 74.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of Bulgaria's imports of welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles amounted to 9 508 thousand US dollars, which is 10.1% higher compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 25.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 9 517 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 9.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 25.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Germany, and China formed the core group of markets for Bulgaria's imports of welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles in value terms. Italy accounted for 48.2% of imports, Germany for 14.7%, and China for 6.6%. Together, these three countries represented 69.5% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020