MEMBER carriers of Asia Australia Discussion Agreement (AADA) has announced they will increase the rates for services from China and Hong Kong to Australia from May 15.

Freight rates for all outward shipments from China and Hong Kong to destinations in Australia will increase US$300 per TEU and US$600 per FEU for both dry and refrigerated cargo, said the AADA statement, adding that "this increase will apply in full on top of existing ongoing market rates and will be subject to accessorial surcharges applicable at the time of shipment."

AADA consists of 13 carriers serving the trade from north and east Asia to Australia. Its members include: ANL, CSCL, Cosco, Hamburg Sud, Hanjin, Hapag-Lloyd, Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), "K" Line, Maersk, MSC, MOL, NYK Line and OOCL.