Freight News, Sea

Competition puts Rotterdam industry under pressure

[ February 27, 2026   //   Chris Lewis ]

Throughput in the port of Rotterdam fell by 1.7% in 2025 to 428.4 million tons. Dry bulk, down 6.5% saw the largest decline while liquid bulk fell 1.5%. However, containers grew by 3.1%, reaching 14.2 million TEU although there was marginal 0.2% in tonnage moved in containers.

The port added that  signs of recovery were visible in all segments in the second half of the year although, over the past twelve months, a number of chemical companies announced plans to close their factories in Rotterdam, and investments in new and ongoing projects have been halted, primarily in renewable fuels.

Chief executive Boudewijn Siemons said that chemical and logistics companies in the port were under considerable pressure and European industry was affected by increasing global competition, all against a backdrop of further escalating geopolitical tensions.

Tags: Port of Rotterdam