Port of Antwerp Bruges reports lower first half cargo volumes as disruptions and geopolitics reshape trade

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Port of Antwerp Bruges handled 133.9 million tonnes of maritime cargo during the first six months of 2026, a decline of 2.4 percent compared with the same period last year, as operational disruptions, geopolitical tensions and weaker European exports weighed on volumes.

Despite the lower throughput, the port retained its container market share in Northwest Europe and continued advancing investments in container capacity and infrastructure aimed at supporting future growth.

Container traffic accounted for most of the overall decline. Throughput fell by 1.5 percent in TEU terms and by 3.6 percent in tonnage compared with an exceptionally strong first half of 2025.

Exports of full containers dropped by 5.7 percent, reflecting continued weakness across Western European manufacturing and export markets. At the same time, empty container volumes increased by 13.7 percent, highlighting the growing imbalance between inbound cargo and export demand.

The figures were also influenced by a series of exceptional operational events that interrupted normal port activity.

A four day strike across the nautical chain in March resulted in an estimated loss of around 100,000 TEU. In April, an oil spill in the Deurganck dock reduced throughput by approximately 85,000 TEU, while industrial action by pilots during June caused a further estimated loss of 75,000 TEU.

Although shipping schedules were adjusted and some vessels diverted, port operations continued throughout the disruptions and congestion was gradually reduced as operations recovered.

For container terminals, resilience often depends on how quickly cargo flows can recover after disruption rather than whether disruptions occur at all. During the first half of the year, that recovery became an important measure of operational performance.

Geopolitical developments continued to influence global trade patterns, particularly across energy markets.

Imports from countries surrounding the Persian Gulf fell by 57 percent during the first half of the year compared with 2025.

Energy cargoes accounted for much of the decline. Following the final LNG shipment from Qatar on 23 March, cargo movements from the region virtually stopped during April. LNG imports from Qatar declined by 66 percent over the reporting period.

Shipping lines responded by adjusting service networks and routing vessels through the Red Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, shifting cargo towards alternative Middle Eastern ports.

According to Port of Antwerp Bruges, net cargo losses linked to reduced Persian Gulf trade reached approximately 2.2 million tonnes during the first six months of 2026.

The indirect impact has also become increasingly significant. Higher energy prices, increased bunker costs and more expensive transport continue to place pressure on European industry and supply chains.

Trade with the United States also reflected changing market conditions.

Although the United States remained the port’s largest trading partner, imports of full containers from the country declined by 10.4 percent while exports fell by 16.5 percent.

Conventional general cargo exports to the United States, largely consisting of steel products, dropped by 32 percent following tariff measures and continued uncertainty surrounding international trade policies.

Liquid bulk, however, recorded stronger performance, supported by increased volumes of LNG and chemical products.

China continued to represent an area of growth. The port reported higher container traffic, increased vehicle imports and stronger steel shipments from China. Chinese steel volumes increased by 44.8 percent during the reporting period.

Meanwhile, LNG imports from Russia rose by 12.5 percent ahead of the European Union import ban scheduled to take effect in 2027.

Outside the container market, several cargo segments delivered more positive results.

RoRo traffic increased by 5.9 percent, supported by stronger demand for new vehicle imports and unaccompanied freight.

The port handled 1.695 million new vehicles during the first half of the year, representing growth of 7.7 percent. Imports from China increased by 25.5 percent while Japanese vehicle volumes rose by 5.5 percent.

Bulk cargo remained relatively stable overall.

Dry bulk volumes increased by 2.2 percent, while liquid bulk declined by only 1.9 percent after a slower start to the year.

Within liquid bulk, LNG volumes rose by 1.3 percent and naphtha increased by 31.3 percent.

Conventional general cargo remained under pressure, declining by 11.7 percent as European industrial demand weakened and higher energy costs, transport costs, steel tariffs and regulatory uncertainty continued affecting cargo flows.

Alongside the operational challenges, the port continued progressing long term infrastructure projects designed to strengthen its competitive position.

Recent developments within the Gemini Cooperation and Premier Alliance have reinforced Antwerp’s role on Far East Europe trade routes through additional deep sea services and larger container vessels.

Progress also continued on the Extra Container Capacity Antwerp project following the market assessment process for additional terminal capacity and the Flemish government’s approval of the draft project decision for the Left Bank Container Cluster.

Rob Smeets, CEO of Port of Antwerp Bruges, said the first half demonstrated the port’s ability to continue operating despite exceptional circumstances, while highlighting the importance of continued investment in infrastructure, logistics and Europe’s industrial competitiveness.

Johan Klaps, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said maintaining container market share despite repeated operational disruptions demonstrated the value of continued investment in accessibility, capacity and reliable port operations.

Dirk De Fauw, Vice Chairman of the Board and Mayor of Bruges, said the changing pattern of energy imports underlined the complementary roles of Antwerp and Zeebrugge in supporting Europe’s energy and logistics supply chains.

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