Congestion builds, auto throughput declines at Antwerp-Bruges during tariff chaos

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In the midst of confusion and uncertainty about US president Donald Trump’s ever-changing tariffs, traffic at the port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium has been building as OEMs and logistics providers are looking to avoid the highest tariff fees and reroute deliveries of vehicles.

According to the port, congestion at terminals is a persistent issue, “driven by a mix of logistical challenges and market developments”. It said that there was a “clear decline in vehicle exports” since May, one month after tariffs of up to 27.5% on imports of vehicles to the US came into effect, and when tariffs of up to 27.5% on automotive parts where installed.

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In the first six months of the year, 15.9% fewer passenger cars and vans (76,089 units) and 31.5% fewer trucks and high & heavy vehicles (11,751 units) were exported, which the port said “reflects the impact of US import tariffs”.

Overall throughput of the port dropped 4.3% year-on-year, to 137.2m tonnes.

Although fewer new cars were shipped, this was offset by growth in truck, high & heavy equipment, and second-hand vehicle volumes, while roro traffic edged up by 1.4%.

 Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of the port of Antwerp-Bruges said that growth in container traffic shows resilience even in the face of congestion across the north-west of Europe.

“Our consistently strong trade relationship with the US confirms our role as a transatlantic gateway to Europe,” he said. “At the same time, current capacity pressures and operational challenges highlight the need for additional container infrastructure.”

The port said for the outlook for the second half of the year was uncertain, adding: “Much will depend on a potential trade agreement between the EU and the US by 1 August, which could restore greater certainty and predictability in the supply chain.”