Declining bulk traffic at Antwerp-Bruges in first half of 2025

(Posted on 15/07/25)

In the first six months of 2025, the total throughput of Port of Antwerp-Bruges was 137.2 million tonnes, a decrease of 4.3% compared to the same period last year. Both dry and liquid bulk volumes declined, while container and RoRo traffic saw growth,. Congestion at terminals, driven by a mix of logistical challenges and market developments, remains a persistent issue across Northwest Europe. A standout trend is the continuing surge in trade with the United States, reinforcing Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ robust position on transatlantic routes.

Dry bulk throughput fell by 11%, due to lower coal and construction material volumes. In contrast, there was a sharp increase in fertilizer imports. These opposing trends are linked to EU sanctions against Russia, as imports of Russian coal are completely banned, and planned additional import duties on Russian fertilizers are prompting exporters to increase their shipments.

The impact on non-containerised general cargo segments remained more limited. Conventional general cargo was less affected overall, but still declined by 4.3%, particularly due to weaker steel and iron traffic. Tightened European import restrictions on cheap foreign steel and China’s planned reduction of steel overcapacity may stabilise the European steel market in the longer term.

Container traffic held up well, increasing by 3.6% in tonnage (to 77 million tonnes) and 3.7% in TEUs (6.91 million TEUs) compared to H1 2024. However, persistent congestion puts terminal capacity under heavy strain; a challenge felt across Northwest Europe. RoRo traffic edged up by 1.4%. Although fewer new cars were shipped, this was offset by growth in truck, high & heavy equipment, and second-hand vehicle volumes. Unaccompanied freight throughput slipped by 1%, with regional variations.

Liquid bulk throughput fell by 17.1% in H1 2025, mainly due to sharp declines in fuels, naphtha, and LNG. Geopolitical tensions, EU sanctions, and market overcapacity were key factors. Only LPG and kerosene showed growth. Chemical product throughput saw a rise of 8.9%, driven by biofuels. Without that component, volumes remained flat, reflecting ongoing pressure in Europe’s chemical sector.

In the first half of 2025, traffic with the United States grew by 17.2% to 16.4 million tonnes. This confirms the US as Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ second most important trading partner, after the United Kingdom. At the same time, the port remains the largest European export port to the US.

Exports to the US rose by 23.5% to 6.7 million tonnes, mainly driven by fuels and dry bulk. Imports from the US increased by 13.1% to 9.7 million tonnes, with higher volumes in both containers and liquid bulk, including LNG and other energy gases.

The outlook for the second half of 2025 remains uncertain. Much will depend on a potential trade agreement between the EU and the US by August 1st, which could restore greater certainty and predictability in the supply chain.

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “In a challenging economic climate, we continue to demonstrate our resilience as a port. The growth in container traffic proves the strong foundations of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, even as bulk traffic comes under pressure and congestion is felt across North-West Europe. Our consistently strong trade relationship with the United States confirms our role as a transatlantic gateway to Europe. At the same time, current capacity pressures and operational challenges highlight the need for additional container infrastructure. With the ECA project, we are focused on building for the future so that we can continue to support sustainable growth.”