by European Automakers Awaiting Tariff Decision
European automakers are storing thousands of cars in ports, hoping that the U.S. President will reverse his decision on high import tariffs. However, the chances of this are diminishing, and the number of cars in the ports continues to grow.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium, which handles over 3 million cars annually, recorded a 15.9% decrease in passenger car exports to the U.S. in the first half of 2025. The port currently holds thousands of vehicles from manufacturers such as BMW and Smart. Port representatives note that the situation remains uncertain, and everything depends on the possibility of reaching a trade agreement between the EU and the U.S. by August 1st.
“People were talking about tariffs in advance, but no one expected this level and severity of immediate action,” stated Justin Atkin, the port’s representative for the UK and Ireland.
Consequences for Trade
In addition to passenger cars, exports of heavy equipment, such as construction machinery and tractors, to the U.S. decreased by 31.5%. The situation could worsen, as negotiations between the U.S. and the EU have so far yielded no results. From August 1st, new 30% tariffs on European imports may be introduced, further complicating international trade.
Although the new tariffs will not directly apply to cars or steel, they could lead to an even greater accumulation of goods in ports. This creates additional pressure on supply chains and manufacturers, who are already facing difficulties due to changes in trade policy.
