Posted on April 23, 2025
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has handled 67.7 million tonnes of cargo in Q1 2025, down 4 per cent year-over-year (YoY), driven primarily by a sharp drop in bulk volumes.
Container throughput, however, saw growth. The port continues to face global headwinds, including shifting markets, geopolitical tensions, and pressure on Europe’s chemical sector.
As the US remains its second-largest trading partner, the port is monitoring potential impacts of future tariffs.
Container throughput was a key growth driver in Q1, rising 4.6 per cent in tonnage and 4.5 per cent in TEUs YoY, despite geopolitical uncertainty and container alliance shifts.
The transition to new alliances, along with strikes and congestion at other ports, led to longer dwell times and increased terminal pressure.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges grew its market share in the Hamburg–Le Havre range to 30.5 per cent in 2024 and rose from 15th to 14th among the world’s largest container ports.
Conventional general cargo fell 5.4 per cent, driven by a 14.3 per cent drop in iron and steel volumes amid a weak economy and import quotas.
RoRo throughput edged up 1.1 per cent, as gains in unaccompanied freight offset an 11.3 per cent decline in new car volumes, reflecting challenges in the European auto sector. Dry bulk remained nearly flat, down just 0.8 per cent.
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, said: “Our port is showing resilience and operational reliability. That stability is critical, both for our customers and for the broader economy.
“At the same time, the protectionist measures taken by the US make it clear that Europe needs to make a stronger commitment to robust economic policies in order to strengthen our industry and anchor its strategic position.”
