THE Asia Australia Discussion Agreement (AADA) will levy a rate increase of US$500 per TEU and US$1,000 per FEU for both dry and refrigerated cargo from Hong Kong and mainland China to Australia from September 20.

The AADA said the increase was needed to "maintain a high standard of service" and will apply in full on top of existing ongoing market rates and be subject to accessorial surcharges applicable at the time of shipment," said the AADA.

AADA members include: ANL Singapore, China Shipping, Cosco, Hamburg Sud, Hanjin Shipping, Hapag-Lloyd, Hyundai Merchant Marine, "K" Line, Maersk, MSC, MOL, NYK and OOCL.