In the first quarter of 2025, total throughput in the port of Rotterdam experienced a significant decline of 5.8% compared to the same period the previous year. The figures reveal a drop from 110.1 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2024 to 103.7 million tonnes this year. This decrease is primarily attributed to lower volumes of crude oil and oil products, as well as declines in iron ore and coal.
In contrast, throughput for agribulk, other dry bulk goods, and containers saw an increase. Notably, the impact of recent import duties imposed by the United States on European goods had not yet affected first-quarter throughput. Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of Port of Rotterdam Authority, commented on the volatility in global trade over the first three months.
He highlighted uncertainties stemming from potential U.S. import duties and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, which have contributed to hesitance among companies regarding trade and investment. Siemons emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts with national and European governments to foster a competitive investment climate for the Port of Rotterdam. In the dry bulk sector, throughput decreased by 8.6%, primarily due to a significant 28.1% drop in iron ore and scrap shipments, with demand for iron ore diminished by lower steel production levels.
Coal throughput also decreased by 17.3%, reflecting the ongoing reduction of coal’s role in power generation. However, agribulk throughput surged by 22.7%, bolstered by the launch of a new dry bulk terminal. Liquid bulk shipments fell by 8.8% to 48.0 million tonnes, driven by reduced demand for crude oil and mineral oil products, attributed to lower refining margins.
Container throughput showed a slight increase of 2.2% in terms of TEU, though tonnage decreased by 1.1%, impacted by a drop in full container exports. While throughput on the transatlantic route saw a 23.1% decline, shipments from Asia rose by 8.4%, highlighting shifts in consumer product import patterns. Overall, breakbulk throughput saw a modest increase, driven by factors including the Porthos project.