The Port of Antwerp-Bruges recorded a strong recovery in container traffic during the third quarter of 2026, despite continued disruption to global trade from the Middle East conflict, rising energy costs and trade tensions. While container handling improved from August onwards, several cargo segments continued to face pressure from weak European industrial demand and shifting international shipping patterns.

The Belgian port handled 200.9 million tonnes of cargo between January and September 2026, representing a 0.8% decline compared with the same period in 2025. Container throughput increased by 1.2% in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) during the first nine months, although container volumes measured by tonnage declined by 0.6%. The third quarter recorded the port’s strongest container performance since the fourth quarter of 2020.

The recovery was supported primarily by an increase in empty-container movements. Empty-container volumes rose 11.7% in TEUs, while full-container throughput declined by 1.3%. The imbalance reflects stronger import flows and weaker exports, increasing the need to reposition empty containers, particularly towards Asian markets.

Port operations faced several disruptions during the first half of the year, including adverse weather, strikes across the nautical chain and an oil spill at Deurganck Dock. In July, a damaged container carrying hydrofluoric acid also affected dock operations. However, cargo volumes strengthened from August, contributing to the recovery in container traffic.

Middle East Conflict Reshapes Shipping Patterns

The ongoing Middle East conflict has disrupted energy supplies and altered international shipping routes. According to the report, no liquefied natural gas shipments from Qatar had arrived since March, while diesel supplies from the Middle East had stopped since mid-May.

Shipping lines have responded by adjusting sailing schedules and introducing alternative routes to maintain connectivity. Container exports to the Persian Gulf declined by 70%, while exports to other parts of the Middle East nearly quintupled, highlighting the significant shift in regional trade flows.

Rob Smeets, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, highlighted the port’s resilience while acknowledging the impact of trade barriers, elevated energy costs and weak European industrial activity. He emphasised the importance of strengthening operational efficiency, capacity and competitiveness.

Mixed Performance Across Cargo Segments

Other cargo categories recorded varied results during the first nine months of 2026. Conventional general cargo throughput fell 16.6%, mainly due to a 17.5% decline in iron and steel shipments. Liquid bulk volumes also faced pressure, particularly in petroleum derivatives, chemicals and LNG.

In contrast, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) throughput increased by 5.5%, supported by a 9.3% rise in new-car volumes, particularly vehicles arriving from China and Japan. Dry bulk throughput grew by 13%, driven by higher iron ore and other ore shipments, while fruit and vegetable cargo volumes increased by 7.6%. Fertiliser throughput declined by 1.1%.

Weak industrial demand, high energy prices, European steel quotas and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism continued to influence cargo movements.

India Identified as a Strategic Growth Market

Johan Klaps, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, underlined the importance of diversifying trade partnerships and developing new growth markets amid geopolitical uncertainty. He identified India as a market offering significant opportunities and noted that the European Union–India free trade agreement could further strengthen bilateral trade.

Despite continuing global challenges, the port’s container recovery and growth in selected cargo categories demonstrate its ability to adapt to changing trade conditions. However, geopolitical instability, disrupted energy supplies and subdued European industrial demand remain key challenges for the maritime and logistics sector.