On July 15, 2025, The Guardian published a report highlighting the profound impact of Trump’s tariff policies on European ports. The article notes that the Port of Antwerp-Bruges has turned into a “giant car park,” with thousands of cars, vans, trucks, and tractors sitting idle due to Trump’s steep tariffs, originally destined for the U.S. In 2024, the port shipped over 3 million vehicles, making it one of the world’s largest car transport hubs, but this year’s exports have dropped by 15.9%.

The report cites Justin Atkin, the UK and Ireland representative of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, who described the tariff shock as more sudden than Brexit. He noted that diversions due to the Red Sea conflict and the growing size of global fleets have extended container dwell times from the usual five days to eight. Additionally, Chinese cars are being stockpiled at the port, possibly reflecting a trade diversion away from the U.S.

The article also mentions that the U.S. is the port’s second-largest trading partner after the UK, with exporters rushing shipments to avoid potential EU retaliatory tariffs. However, this has worsened port congestion, straining supply chain efficiency. Economists warn that a prolonged tariff war could further drag on the European economy, especially export-dependent sectors.

This incident has sparked discussions on the shifting global trade landscape, with port authorities seeking solutions while keeping a close eye on the evolution of Trump’s policies, making it a topic worth ongoing observation.

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