China’s mainland ports saw a 17th straight growth in container handling in August with an 11% rise. Guangzhou led the charge with a 16% expansion, while Dalian dropped 4%. The latter’s restructuring – led by COSCO Shipping – can’t come soon enough. The growth in container handling defied the broader slowdown in growth of trade nationally. Exports expanded by 7% in August in dollar terms, down from 11% earlier. A further slowing of managers’ expectations for trade may mean the prolonged growth streak may be nearing its end.