Port says it saw strong container throughput, with downturn restricted in an “eventful” first quarter
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 67.7mn tonnes of cargo in the first quarter of 2025 (Q1), a drop of 4 per cent on the same period last year.
According to a statement, the decline was largely driven by a sharp decrease in bulk volumes, while container throughput recorded growth.
”The port continues to navigate global challenges such as shifting market dynamics, geopolitical tensions and the ongoing pressure on the European chemicals sector,” it said.
”With the United States as its second-largest trading partner, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is closely watching the evolving trade environment, as future tariff impacts become more pronounced.”
Container throughput served as a key growth engine in the first quarter, it said, rising 4.6 per cent in tonnage and 4.5 per cent in TEUs compared to the same period of 2024.
This was achieved despite geopolitical uncertainties and container alliance restructuring, the port noted.
Transitioning to new alliances and strikes and congestion at other ports had however, resulted in longer container dwell times and therefore put increased pressure on terminal capacity.
The impact of US import duties on traffic in Port of Antwerp-Bruges remained “limited”, it said, and while some companies had acted in anticipation of tariffs, no clear export acceleration toward the US had been noticed.
In addition to trade tensions with the US, the European economy, and the industrial sector in particular, was struggling with structural problems that were “seriously undermining its competitiveness”.
“We are in particularly uncertain times, which makes it difficult to predict what 2025 will bring next,” said Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
”But as in previous crises, 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 United States 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,” he added.
