In a significant shift within the European shipping industry, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges has surpassed Rotterdam to become the busiest container port in Europe. However, executives from both major northern range hubs emphasised the extreme volatility experienced during the first quarter of the year and the uncertainty that lies ahead due to US tariffs.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges, a result of the recent merger between the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge, has demonstrated its resilience and adaptability in the face of challenging market conditions. Despite the ongoing global pandemic and its impact on international trade, the port has managed to attract a higher volume of container traffic compared to its Dutch rival.
Nevertheless, the leadership at both ports remains cautious about the future, as the threat of US tariffs looms large on the horizon. The potential implementation of these tariffs could significantly disrupt global trade flows and create further uncertainty for the European shipping industry.