In the first quarter of 2025, the port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 67.7 million tonnes of cargo, down 4% compared to the same period in 2024. The main reason for the decline was a sharp decline in liquid bulk cargo, especially gasoline, naphtha and LNG, while container traffic, on the contrary, grew by 4.6% by weight and by 4.5% by TEU, strengthening the port’s position in the global ranking – from 15th to 14th place.
Difficulties in the EU chemical sector remain, but the segment showed growth of 10.9% due to a sharp increase in biofuels turnover (+128%). At the same time, dry cargo remained almost at the level of last year (-0.8%), RoRo transportation grew by 1.1%, despite a drop in new car exports by 11.3%, offset by growth in other types of RoRo cargo. At the same time, the port is facing increasing container waiting times, strikes and terminal congestion.
Despite ongoing uncertainty in foreign trade, the impact of US tariffs is limited for now, but further developments could change supply chains. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges calls for urgent measures to support EU industry through the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal initiative, as well as for cooperation in the face of growing structural and geopolitical challenges, exacerbated by recent strikes and disruptions at the port.