MEMBER lines of the Asia Australia Discussion Agreement (AADA) are levying a rate hike on August 1 of US$300 per TEU and $600 per FEU on cargo from mainland China and Hong Kong to all points in Australia.

This increase on dry and reefer cargo will apply on top of existing ongoing market rates and be subject to accessorial surcharges applicable at the time of shipment, said the AADA statement.

The AADA members' statement said the levy was necessary to "maintain a high standard of service to their customers".

AADA members are ANL Singapore, APL, CSCL, Cosco, Evergreen, Hamburg Sud, Hanjin, Hapag-Lloyd, Hyundai, "K" Line, Maersk, MSC, MOL. NYK, OOCL, PIL, Sinotrans, TS Lines and Yang Ming Line.