Rotterdam port expects growth to slow in H2 on trade uncertainties

In the January-June 2019 period, Rotterdam port handled box volumes of 7.5m teu, an increase of 6.4% compared to the previous corresponding period. The growth was mainly due to higher import and transhipment volumes.

“In the macroeconomic field, relations between the world's major trading blocs remain strained. There is also ongoing uncertainty about the introduction of trade tariffs post-Brexit. Both developments are rendering the prospects for the further growth of world trade uncertain. Given the global uncertainties mentioned here, the Port of Rotterdam Authority expects a slight weakening of the growth in cargo throughput in the second half of 2019,” commented Allard Castelein, ceo of the port authority.

In total throughput, the port recorded 240.7m tonnes in the first six months, a new record and an increase of 3.4% year-on-year.

“Throughput in the port is doing well, particularly in the strategically important container market segment. The financial results of the port authority are good. We can therefore continue to invest in the port, in physical infrastructure and in digital solutions for trade and logistics,” Castelein said.