Container rates for shipments out of China rose 3% in the first two weeks of the year, leaving the index at a level not seen since mid-November. While rates to Japan (6% higher) and Europe (up 3%) did well, a drop in other intra-Asia rates (down 7%) would suggest the shift is not wholly demand-driven. Part of the rise will be a reaction to the 17% rise in bunker fuel rates since the Golden Week break. That’s an encouraging sign of the pricing discipline needed to ensure the recovery in the financial health in the industry this year. Financial analysts expect a 2% point rise in EBITDA pro...