The global shipping industry saw an improvement in rates in April, with container rates having risen by 1.0% during the month. Yet, rates are still down year-to-date, reflecting the weakening of global trade conditions since 4Q’s Trans-Pacific activity surge. There’s also been a 4.2% rise in bunker fuel costs during the month as a result of oil prices that have been driven up by issues in Iraq, Libya and Venezuela. That may crimp the profitability of container-lines particularly who so far – in the case of Cosco Shipping and ONE – have reported improving margins for 1Q. With most line...