Posted on July 29, 2024
The total throughput of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges was 143.2 million t in the first six months of 2024, an increase of 3% compared to the same period in 2023. This upward trend, which started in the first quarter driven by increased demand for container transport, has extended to other product categories as well.
This has been in spite of ongoing geopolitical tensions and an uncertain macro-economic climate. Port of Antwerp-Bruges continues to be a pioneer, investing in a future-proof port.
Throughput volumes of conventional breakbulk also showed an upward trend. This started in 1Q24, following a weak 4Q23. Despite throughput in the first half of 2024 being 6.2% lower than the same period in 2023 – due to a 12.6% decrease in imports and a 4.5% increase in exports, throughput improved in 2Q24 compared to 1Q24.
In six months, throughput of iron and steel has remained more or less stable (+0.6%), with a growth in exports (+7.4%) and a drop in imports (-3.7%). This contrasted with the 1Q24, which experienced a growth in imports and a decline in exports. Although most other goods continued to show a decline compared to the same period in 2023, the throughput of these products increased compared to 1Q24.
The dry bulk segment remained stable with a slight increase of 0.4% – a significant improvement compared to the 12.2% decline in 1Q24. Imports decreased by 6%, while exports rose by 10.9%. A sharp rise (+34.8%) was observed in the throughput of fertilisers. This is the largest product category within dry bulk and has been recovering after a sharp decline in 2023. The throughput of non-ferro ores (+26.9%) and other construction materials (other than sand and gravel) (+13.6%) grew. The throughput of coal (-40%), grains (-9.5%), sand & gravel (-8.3%), and scrap (-5.9%) dropped.
