Europe's Port of Antwerp-Bruges has become an unexpected giant car park, as thousands of U.S.-bound vehicles sit idle ahead of President Donald Trump's 30% tariffs on EU imports, set to begin August 1.
Once Europe's busiest container hub, the port now hosts cars, vans, trucks and tractors stranded on its docks. The surge in tariff rates—from 2.5% in January to 27.5% by early April—has prompted manufacturers to stall shipments or scramble for alternative routes.
Port data reveals a 15.9% year-on-year drop in exports of new passenger cars and vans to the U.S. during the first half of 2025, with May posting the steepest decline after Trump's Liberation Day tariff announcement. In 2024, Antwerp-Bruges handled over 3 million vehicles worldwide, making it Europe's top auto export hub to America.
'The outlook for the second half of the year remains uncertain,' said a port spokesperson. 'Much will depend on whether EU and U.S. negotiators reach an agreement by August 1.'
As the clock ticks toward possible tariffs, global businesses and traders are bracing for broader supply chain disruptions. If no deal emerges, the backlog at Antwerp-Bruges could signal a wider ripple effect across international trade lanes.
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EU port turned into 'giant car park' amid looming Trump tariffs
cgtn.com
