U.S. imports started 2018 with a bang after seaborne imports rose 8% on a year earlier. That was the fastest since April and follows a record year for total imports in 2017. The main driver was a 10% surge in shipments from China, continuing a run of growth going back to February. The later lunar new year this year may also flatter February figures. Exports from emerging manufacturing economies also accelerated with Indian shipments up 15% and those from Vietnam by 13%. All major product groups tracked by Panjiva saw an improvement for the first time since February 2016, with the most...