Port of Antwerp-Bruges sees growth in 2024’s first half

This has been in spite of ongoing geopolitical tensions and an uncertain macro-economic climate. Port of Antwerp-Bruges continues to be a pioneer, investing in a future-proof port.

Throughput volumes of conventional breakbulk also showed an upward trend. This started in 1Q24, following a weak 4Q23. Despite throughput in the first half of 2024 being 6.2% lower than the same period in 2023 – due to a 12.6% decrease in imports and a 4.5% increase in exports, throughput improved in 2Q24 compared to 1Q24.

In six months, throughput of iron and steel has remained more or less stable (+0.6%), with a growth in exports (+7.4%) and a drop in imports (-3.7%). This contrasted with the 1Q24, which experienced a growth in imports and a decline in exports. Although most other goods continued to show a decline compared to the same period in 2023, the throughput of these products increased compared to 1Q24.

The dry bulk segment remained stable with a slight increase of 0.4% – a significant improvement compared to the 12.2% decline in 1Q24. Imports decreased by 6%, while exports rose by 10.9%. A sharp rise (+34.8%) was observed in the throughput of fertilisers. This is the largest product category within dry bulk and has been recovering after a sharp decline in 2023. The throughput of non-ferro ores (+26.9%) and other construction materials (other than sand and gravel) (+13.6%) grew. The throughput of coal (-40%), grains (-9.5%), sand & gravel (-8.3%), and scrap (-5.9%) dropped.