Dhaka, June 14 -- * CSRM denies any syndicate role in rebar price increases

* Weak demand leaves little scope for market manipulation

* Dollar volatility and high interest rates have hit steelmakers hard

* High production costs are limiting export opportunities

* Skilled manpower shortages remain a major industry challenge

The surge in the price of mild steel (MS) rods over the last few years is driven by global macroeconomic headwinds and rising overheads rather than domestic market manipulation, a top industry leader has argued.

Md Shahjahan, the managing director of Chakda Steel and Re-Rolling Mills (Pvt) Ltd, strongly rejected public perceptions of a trade cartel or corporate syndicate operating within the construction material ...