Exporters and importers are calling on Port of Auckland to lift productivity to match its user prices

The number of containers moved on and off ships has dropped by 42 percent in the past four years, but is bringing in a seven percent price increase next year.

New Zealand Council of Cargo Owners' Mike Knowles says they haven't been given any indication the port plans to improve their productivity.

He says the council represents all the major export and import cargo owners in New Zealand, who are the ones that pay for this at the end of the day.