Europe is experiencing its worst logistics disruption since the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to Donald Trump’s unpredictable tariff policy and the shallowness of rivers, cargo ships are forced to wait for weeks to load at key EU ports. This is reported by the Financial Times.
According to analysts’ forecasts, this situation is expected to last for several more months.
The most challenging situation is currently in Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg. The ports are overloaded and working at their capacity.
In addition to the US tariff wars, changes in shipping alliances have caused problems, in particular, the end of cooperation between Maersk and MSC. This has compelled carriers to adjust their schedules and routes.
Another factor is the growth of imports from Asia to Europe. According to analysts, volumes have increased by 7% year-over-year.
DP World, the owner of the Rotterdam and Antwerp terminals, has said it is working to reduce congestion.
However, some market participants do not believe in a quick solution, believing that this situation will last for months.
Recall that on April 2, US President Donald Trump imposed a minimum additional 20% tariff on almost all exports from the EU, but a week later, he reduced it to 10%, giving 90 days for dialogue.
