Strong trade relationship with the United States
The United States has been one of Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ most important trading partners for over two decades. In 2024, the US accounted for approximately 10% of the port’s total maritime cargo traffic, with a trade volume of 28 million tonnes. Both import and export took place on a large scale, with slightly more imports than exports.
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Container traffic was the largest segment in transatlantic trade, totaling over 14 million tonnes of goods. Exports from the port mainly consisted of auto and machinery parts, chemicals, vehicles, food, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. Imports from the US included plastics, polymers, chemicals, rubber, vehicles, and food products.
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Liquid bulk also played a significant role, accounting for over 10 million tonnes in 2024. The port primarily exported gas oil, fuel oil, and other chemicals, while large volumes of LPG, LNG, and naphtha were imported from the US.
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Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) traffic also saw a strong flow: more than 280,000 vehicles were traded. This makes Antwerp-Bruges responsible for over a quarter of transatlantic traffic in finished vehicles within Europe.
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Conventional breakbulk and dry bulk maintained stable trade volumes, with steel, fertilizers, wood pellets, and non-ferrous metals as key cargo streams.
US import tariffs since March 2025
Since March 2025, the US government has implemented new import tariffs affecting the European Union. As of March 12, a 25% tariff applies to the import of steel, aluminum, and related products. On April 3, this was extended to cars and car parts from the EU, also with a 25% tariff. On June 4, the steel import tariff was raised to 50% of its value.
Additionally, on April 5, a general 10% levy was imposed on nearly all other EU goods, as part of the so-called “reciprocity policy.” This measure was initially set for a 90-day negotiation period, ending on July 9 but later extended to August 1.
On July 12, 2025, the US government announced that the import tariff on EU goods will be increased to 30% starting August 1. Simultaneously, negotiations continue in an effort to reach a trade agreement. The measure is part of a broader revision of US trade policy.
European countermeasures in two phases
On April 1, 2025, the European Union reactivated its previously suspended countermeasures from 2018 and 2020, targeting US steel and aluminum imports. Shortly thereafter, in mid-April, a second phase was announced, introducing additional levies on American industrial and agricultural products, including textiles, leather goods, livestock, and dairy.
Although EU member states approved these countermeasures on April 15 for phased implementation (in April, May, and December), they—like the US tariffs—have been temporarily put on hold during the ongoing negotiation period.
Impact on the port – update April 1, 2025
Port of Antwerp-Bruges is closely monitoring the situation regarding US import tariffs. In Q1 2025, no clear shifts in cargo flows were observed that could be directly linked to the recent measures.
For example, container exports to the US rose by 3.2% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year—an increase below the overall container export growth rate (+5.6%). Steel exports saw a notable spike of 100,000 tonnes in January, but dropped below usual levels afterward. Overall, steel exports to the US in Q1 were 2% higher than in Q1 2024.
A total of 37,743 vehicles were exported to the US in Q1 2025, a 19.5% decrease compared to last year, in line with the general decline in vehicle exports (-13.5%).
Liquid bulk transshipment (such as LPG, LNG, and naphtha) remained stable, with a slight increase of 2.8%. Chemical product exports grew by 13.9%, while imports declined by 6.2%.
Impact on the port – update July 1, 2025
In the first half of 2025, trade with the United States grew by 17.2% to 16.4 million tonnes. The US thus remains Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ second most important trading partner, after the United Kingdom. At the same time, the port remains the largest European export hub to the US.
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.
Exports to the US rose by 23.5% to 6.7 million tonnes, mainly thanks to fuels and dry bulk. However, since May, there has been a clear decline in vehicle exports. In the first six months of the year, exports of new passenger and commercial vehicles dropped by 15.9% (76,089 units), and trucks and High & Heavy vehicles by 31.5% (11,751 units). This indicates the impact of US import tariffs.
Container exports remained stable at 303,000 TEU, while container imports rose by 12.6%—possibly a sign of anticipation of future developments.
Much will depend on whether a trade agreement between the EU and US can be reached by August 1, which could bring renewed certainty and predictability to the supply chain. It is clear that further developments regarding trade tariffs and geopolitical tensions could impact the logistics chain. Port of Antwerp-Bruges is therefore in close contact with companies and terminals active in container transport, chemicals, and vehicles, and continues to monitor the situation closely.
