August proved to be a disappointment for most shippers in terms of market rates. Container rates from China fell by 4% to end the month at the lowest since May 12. Weaker rates on Europe- and Mediterranean-bound rates are to blame, possibly reflecting fee cuts from the Suez Canal Authority. Despite that strong rates in July means the third quarter so far is 3% better than the second. Fuel costs increased, with bunker fuel costs rising 2% despite a 5% drop in oil prices due to the disruption from Hurricane Harvey to the U.S. oil refining industry. Tankers meanwhile underperformed bulke...