Port of Antwerp-Bruges — 2025-04-22
Members Corner
Port of Antwerp-Bruges closed the first quarter of 2025 with a total cargo throughput of 67.7 million tonnes, a decrease of 4.0% compared to the same period last year. This decline is mainly attributable to a sharp decline in bulk traffic, while container traffic recorded growth. The port continues to face challenges such as changing market trends, geopolitical tensions and the ongoing pressure on the European chemical sector. With the United States as its second largest trading partner, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is looking with increased vigilance to the coming months, in which the consequences of the changed trading climate may become more apparent.
Strong container throughput, bulk flows volatile
Container handling was the strongest performer in the first quarter, with an increase of 4.6% in tonnage and 4.5% in TEU compared to the same period in 2024, despite geopolitical uncertainties and restructuring within the container alliances. The transition to the new alliances and strikes and congestion in other ports did lead to longer container dwell times and therefore increased pressure on terminal capacity. The market share of Port of Antwerp-Bruges in the Hamburg-Le Havre Range rose to 30.5% in 2024, and worldwide the port climbed from 15th to 14th place in the ranking of largest container ports.
The largest decline in the first quarter came from liquid bulk (-19.1%), with sharp declines in gasoline, naphtha and LNG. This was due to changing market conditions in Africa, reduced demand for naphtha from the petrochemical industry and EU sanctions on Russian LNG transit. Chemicals throughput increased by 10.9%, mainly due to a strong increase in biofuels (+128%). Without this boost, the chemicals segment would have seen a slight year-on-year decline (-1.7%). The European chemical industry continues to face considerable pressure in terms of its global competitiveness.
In other segments, the impact of the challenging market conditions remained limited. For example, conventional breakbulk experienced a modest decline (-5.4%) due to lower iron and steel transhipment (-14.3%) as a result of the weak economic climate and import quotas. RoRo transhipment grew slightly (+1.1%), even with a sharp decline in the transhipment of new cars (-11.3%), reflecting the difficult situation in the European automotive industry. The decline in the transhipment of vehicles was compensated by an increase in other RoRo cargo such as unaccompanied freight. Dry bulk remained virtually stable (-0.8%).
Impact of US import tariffs limited for now
The impact of the US import duties on traffic in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges remains limited for the time being. Although some companies are acting in anticipation, there has been no clear acceleration of exports to the US so far. Container exports increased by 3.2%, steel saw a temporary peak in January, and 20% fewer cars were exported to the US, in line with the general decline in car exports. At the same time, structural factors such as disrupted shipping schedules in container liner shipping, changing car market models and temporary production suspensions are putting increased pressure on the terminals. Although the direct impact remains limited for the time being, it is clear that further developments in the area of trade tariffs could have an impact on the logistics chain in the coming months.
Structural challenges require collaboration
In addition to trade tensions with the United States, the European economy, and in particular industry, is struggling with structural problems that seriously undermine its competitiveness. High energy and production costs, global overcapacity and increasing competition from cheap imports from Asia, among others, are putting pressure on the sector. In addition, complex regulations, slow permit procedures and high wage costs are hampering the willingness to invest. The combination of these factors has led to a sharp decline in market share, added value and production capacity in recent years. Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Port of Rotterdam are therefore calling for a rapid implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal, with concrete measures and sufficient budgetary support to offer the European industry resilience and future prospects again.
In addition, the logistics chain remains vulnerable. The pilot strike of 31 March temporarily halted access to the port, causing millions of euros in economic damage and a visible impact on the operation and image of Port of Antwerp-Bruges. This disruption affected multiple links in the chain – from shipping companies and terminals to industry and transport. With a new national strike planned for 29 April, uncertainty remains high. The structural challenges, combined with the increasing trade pressure with the United States, underline the need for dialogue and cooperation.
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “We are in particularly uncertain times, which makes it difficult to predict what 2025 will bring. But as in previous crises, our port is showing itself to be resilient and operationally reliable. This stability is crucial, both for our customers and for the wider economy. At the same time, the protectionist measures taken by the United States make it clear that Europe must focus more on a robust economic policy, in order to strengthen our industry and anchor its strategic position.”
Johan Klaps, Antwerp port alderman and chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges: "The strong container traffic underlines the importance of continued investments in our port infrastructure. Projects such as ECA (Extra Container Capacity Antwerp) are essential to take steps towards sustainable growth, space efficiency and increased competitiveness. Important steps will be taken in the coming months. Furthermore, I would like to thank all port employees for their dedication and flexibility in the past period, including during the recent strike. Our top port staff are without a doubt among the best in the world."
Dirk De fauw, Mayor of Bruges and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges: "These quarterly figures emphasise the value of the complementarity between Antwerp and Zeebrugge. The combination of scale and specialisation proves itself time and again, especially in a turbulent international climate. Thanks to close cooperation and joint investments in infrastructure and innovation, we continue to build a strong, integrated port for the whole of Flanders. For example, we are looking forward to seeing the Oosterweel tunnel elements travelling from Zeebrugge to Antwerp soon."