Port of Antwerp-Bruges is stepping up efforts to capture a larger share of India-Europe trade as the recently concluded India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) opens new opportunities for cargo growth, investment and logistics cooperation.
The Belgian port sees India as an important growth market and is positioning itself as a key gateway for Indian companies seeking access to European markets. In 2025, Antwerp-Bruges handled 6.3 million tonnes of cargo originating from or destined for India, making India its third-largest trade partner in breakbulk and seventh-largest in containers.
The FTA is expected to support additional trade by reducing or eliminating import duties on a wide range of goods and simplifying customs procedures once the agreement enters into force. The European Commission estimates that EU goods exports to India, valued at nearly €49 billion in 2024, could double by 2032.
Several sectors covered by the agreement—including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery, textiles and food—are closely aligned with Antwerp-Bruges’ industrial clusters and existing cargo flows. This gives the port an opportunity to attract additional volumes as bilateral trade expands.
The port has maintained a presence in India for 20 years, with its Mumbai office established in 2006. It is also working with Indian partners on port management, digitalisation, nautical operations, sustainability and maritime training, while exploring further investment opportunities in India’s maritime sector.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, during his September visit to India, highlighted the importance of strong logistics connections in converting the FTA’s trade opportunities into actual cargo flows. Antwerp-Bruges is therefore seeking to strengthen its role as a logistics and industrial bridge between India and Europe.
As part of this strategy, the port plans to return to India with companies from its port community for a multi-sector trade mission from February 1–5, 2027, aimed at developing new commercial partnerships and expanding India-Europe cargo flows.
The port’s India strategy reflects the broader shift toward deeper India-Europe supply-chain integration, with Antwerp-Bruges seeking to position itself as a preferred gateway as trade volumes grow following implementation of the FTA.