The global container shipping industry entered a new era of pricing on Jan. 1 with the implementation of IMO sulfur emission rules. Most carriers have delayed surcharges for low-sulfur fuel until January, with full increases potentially delayed as far as until March or April when annual rate negotiation occur. Yet, S&P Global Platts’ price assessments in December already showed 21.5% sequential rise in bunker fuel charges, or $72 per FEU during the month. That’s contributed to an increase in container shipping rates on Asia-to-U.S. rates of 12.5%, or $125 per FEU, in ...