In the first half of 2025, the port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 137.2 million tonnes of cargo, down 4.3% compared to the same period last year. The decline was mainly due to a drop in bulk and dry bulk volumes, especially coal, oil, liquefied natural gas and construction materials. At the same time, the container segment showed growth: transshipment increased by 3.6% in tonnage and 3.7% in TEU, reaching 77 million tonnes and 6.91 million TEU, respectively. RoRo volumes also increased by 1.4%.
Despite this, the port continues to face challenges, including terminal congestion, trade union protests, unstable routes across the Red Sea and disrupted ship calls. In response to the challenges, the administration has stepped up the implementation of the Extra Container Capacity Antwerp (ECA) project, aimed at expanding container infrastructure and optimizing terminal operations.
Transatlantic trade with the US showed positive dynamics: turnover increased by 17.2% to 16.4 million tons. Imports from the US reached 9.7 million tons (+13.1%), exports – 6.7 million tons (+23.5%), despite a decrease in car supplies due to US duties. Container exports remained stable, and imports in TEU increased by 12.6%. The forecast for the second half of the year will largely depend on the trade agreement between the EU and the US expected by August 1.