Antwerp Bruges targets India cargo rebound as EU trade deal opens growth route
Port of Antwerp Bruges is stepping up its push for Indian cargo as Belgium and India seek to turn the newly negotiated India EU free trade agreement into higher trade volumes, investment and stronger logistics links between the two markets.
The Belgian port brought policymakers and business leaders together in Mumbai on September 4 for an India Belgium High Level Dialogue focused on the agreement, during an official visit to India by Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
The commercial push comes as Antwerp Bruges seeks to reverse a decline in India related cargo. The port handled 6.3 million tonnes of goods moving to or from India in 2025, compared with about 7.2 million tonnes in 2024. India nevertheless ranked as its third largest trading partner for breakbulk and seventh largest for container cargo in 2025.
For carriers, freight forwarders and cargo owners, the agreement could alter the economics of India Europe supply chains by reducing tariffs and simplifying customs procedures across a market covering some of the world’s largest manufacturing and consumer economies.
Port targets larger share of Indian trade
India has become a strategic growth market for Port of Antwerp Bruges, which has maintained a permanent presence in Mumbai since 2006.
The port is positioning its container, breakbulk and industrial infrastructure to capture additional cargo generated by closer trade ties. Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery, textiles and food are among the sectors expected to benefit from the trade agreement and are also important cargo categories for Antwerp Bruges.
The European Commission has estimated that EU goods exports to India, valued at nearly €49 billion in 2024, could double by 2032 as trade barriers are removed.
The agreement is not yet operational. Negotiations were concluded in early 2026, but formal procedures must still be completed before the agreement enters into force. Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said during the Mumbai dialogue that tariffs on more than 95 percent of Indian and European goods exports would ultimately be removed or reduced.
For Antwerp Bruges, capturing even part of the resulting growth would help strengthen cargo flows at a time when European ports face weak industrial demand, changing global trade patterns and pressure on European exports.
Belgium puts logistics at centre of India strategy
De Wever held bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on September 3 before travelling to Mumbai. The two governments agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, clean energy, critical minerals, semiconductors, research and other sectors.
India and Belgium also set an ambition to double bilateral trade over the next five years.
At the Mumbai event, De Wever met Goyal and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, alongside representatives from Belgian and Indian businesses.
The port argues that logistics capacity will be essential if lower tariffs translate into actual cargo growth.
William Demoor, Chief Customer Relations Officer at Port of Antwerp Bruges, said the port wants to become the natural European gateway for Indian companies while giving European exporters access to one of the world’s fastest growing major markets.
Antwerp Bruges already serves a broad European hinterland through inland waterways, rail, road and short sea connections. Its industrial cluster also gives the port exposure to chemical and energy cargoes that could benefit from deeper commercial ties with India.
The relationship extends beyond physical cargo. Through Port of Antwerp Bruges International and APEC Antwerp Flanders Port Training Center, the Belgian port provides expertise and training covering port management, digitalisation, nautical operations and sustainability in India.
Next trade mission set for February
The India strategy will continue beyond De Wever’s visit. Port of Antwerp Bruges plans to return with companies from its port community from February 1 to February 5, 2027, as part of a broader trade mission.
That mission is expected to focus on converting the political framework created by the trade agreement into cargo contracts, investment opportunities and commercial partnerships.
For Antwerp Bruges, the opportunity is substantial but the immediate challenge is clear. India related cargo volumes fell in 2025 despite continued expansion of the Indian economy and exports, leaving the port competing for a larger share of trade that is already growing elsewhere.
The combination of lower tariffs, simplified customs procedures and stronger government level commercial ties could provide the mechanism for reversing that trend once the India EU agreement formally enters into force.
