One of the world's largest ports, Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium, has been turned into a giant "graveyard" for thousands of cars, vans and trucks destined for the United States. This is reported by the "Guardian" newspaper.
The reason for this is the trade war launched by US President Donald Trump against the member states of the European Union. Since April 2025, most European cars have been subject to an additional 25% tariff, which increases their price in the US by tens of thousands of dollars.
Reduced exports and uncertain prospects
Exports of new cars from the port of Antwerp-Bruges to the US have decreased by 15.9% in the first half of 2025, with the sharpest drop recorded in May, immediately after the announcement of the new tariffs. Exports of trucks and large specialized equipment (tractors, construction machinery) from the port have decreased even more - by 31.5%.
The port admits that the prospects for the second half of the year remain uncertain. Everything depends on whether a trade agreement between the EU and the US is reached by August 1. European carmakers from Volkswagen to Volvo had hoped a deal would be reached as early as last week.
In 2024, the port of Antwerp-Bruges transported more than 3 million cars worldwide. The port's representative, Justin Atkin, noted that unlike the pandemic or Brexit, the tariff restrictions came as an "unexpected shock" to the industry.
The situation is also complicated by global logistics problems. Due to the conflict in the Red Sea and the increase in the size of ships, containers are staying in the port for up to eight days, although they used to "process" in five.