## Company Profile Rhenus Air & Ocean N.V. (Belgium) — regional arm of the Rhenus Group, a global logistics and freight‑forwarding provider. In Belgium Rhenus Air & Ocean offers ocean and air freight forwarding, multimodal pre‑/on‑carriage (truck/barge/rail), customs brokerage, temperature‑controlled handling for perishables and pharma, warehousing and distribution, and project cargo solutions. As part of the Rhenus network it serves exporters/importers across retail/e‑commerce, pharma/healthcare, fresh produce/agrifood and industrial sectors; it operates at key Belgian gateways (Antwerp‑Bruges, Zeebrugge, Brussels Airport) and integrates inland barge/rail options for hinterland moves. Estimated position: national/regional market leader within the Rhenus global footprint (large enterprise scale via parent group). ## Pain Points 1) Schedule risk and terminal congestion at Antwerp‑Bruges: customers with time‑sensitive cargo (perishables, retail seasonal shipments) face longer dwell times and capacity uncertainty; they need earlier sourcing and multimodal planning to protect product value. 2) Increasing pre‑arrival data and SPS scrutiny: EU customs reforms, ICS2 and TRACES mean more pre‑lodgement data and stricter phytosanitary checks — importers/exporters without robust data collection face delays and inspections, especially during seasonal peaks. 3) Air cargo slot constraints at Brussels and diversion to Liège: pharma/e‑commerce shippers need contingency routing and supplier diversification to meet launch windows and peak season demand; forwarders must offer rapid supplier origination and market alternatives. These are concrete commercial problems that Tridge Ark’s exporter/importer origination + data workflows can solve by delivering qualified trading partners, pre‑data capture and alternative sourcing pathways. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === 1. [MARKET EVENTS] – BELGIUM / PORT OF ANTWERP‑BRUGES 2026 TRADE FLOWS, CONTAINER THROUGHPUT & HINTERLAND SHIFTS === **Throughput levels and container trends** - Port of Antwerp‑Bruges closed **2025 with total maritime throughput of 266.5 million tonnes**, down **4.1% vs 2024**, in line with previous years’ band, reflecting weaker bulk but resilient container flows. ([newsroom.portofantwerpbruges.com](https://newsroom.portofantwerpbruges.com/en/press-releases/port-of-antwerp-bruges-ends-2025-with-resilience-in-a-turbulent-trading-climate?utm_source=openai)) - **Container throughput 2025**: - **149.5 million tonnes** of containers, **+0.4% YoY**, and - **13.63 million TEU**, **+0.7% YoY**, indicating volume stability despite disruptions. ([container-news.com](https://container-news.com/antwerp-bruges-holds-container-volumes-steady-in-2025/?utm_source=openai)) - In **H1 2025**, total cargo was **137.2 million tonnes (-4.3% YoY)** while containers grew **+3.6% in tonnes (77m t)** and **+3.7% in TEU (6.91m TEU)** vs H1 2024, underlining a structural shift from bulk to containers. ([newsroom.portofantwerpbruges.com](https://newsroom.portofantwerpbruges.com/persberichten/groei-containers-verzacht-impact-van-dalende-bulktrafieken-en-congestie-in-eerste-jaarhelft?utm_source=openai)) **Congestion and operational conditions** - H1 2025 operations were still marked by **persistent terminal congestion** across Northwest Europe, driven by Red Sea routing changes, alliance reshuffles, poor schedule reliability and longer dwell times (**7–8 days vs 5 days previously**). ([en.portnews.ru](https://en.portnews.ru/news/379346/?utm_source=openai)) - Port communications on 2025 full year indicate **“terminal congestion, alliance reshuffling, rerouted cargo, and industrial action”** as key headwinds, even as container volumes held up. ([container-news.com](https://container-news.com/antwerp-bruges-holds-container-volumes-steady-in-2025/?utm_source=openai)) - For 2026 the port authority explicitly flags a continued focus on **infrastructure, transition and safety** (including extra container capacity Antwerp – ECA) to deal with congestion risk and support long‑term growth. ([newsroom.portofantwerpbruges.com](https://newsroom.portofantwerpbruges.com/persberichten/port-of-antwerp-bruges-sluit-2025-af-met-veerkracht-in-turbulent-handelsklimaat?utm_source=openai)) **Hinterland modal split – barge/rail vs road** - Inland waterways (IWW) and rail remain central for container evacuation from Antwerp‑Bruges: - In **2024**, total inland waterway cargo through Antwerp reached **102.5 million tonnes (+4.7% vs 2023)**. ([inland-navigation-market.org](https://inland-navigation-market.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CCNR_annual_report_EN_2025_WEB.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - The IWW share in container hinterland transport increased to **33.9%** in 2024 (from 32–33% levels earlier), - **Rail’s share** stood at **6.9%**, and - **Road still dominated with 59.2%** of container hinterland moves. ([inland-navigation-market.org](https://inland-navigation-market.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CCNR_annual_report_EN_2025_WEB.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Recent Belgian logistics outlook commentary for **2026** points to a **“sustained move toward greener transport modes”**, highlighting: growing use of **inland waterways and rail** for flows from Antwerp and Zeebrugge; the value of **integrated offerings (truck + scheduled barge/rail)**; and the rising importance of digital tools (track‑and‑trace, e‑CMR) to manage yard capacity and cut truck waiting times. ([gettransport.com](https://gettransport.com/articles/belgium-freight-logistics-2026-carriers-shippers?utm_source=openai)) **Trade flows and role in European networks** - Antwerp‑Bruges remains among the top European container ports (around **14th globally in 2024** by TEU), with **13.4m TEU in 2023** and 13.63m TEU in 2025, confirming its status as a key North European gateway. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Antwerp?utm_source=openai)) - White‑paper style analysis of the merged Antwerp‑Bruges system (March 2026) highlights: - **Better multimodal transfers** (ocean–rail–barge), reducing handling steps and improving hinterland dispatch speed. - **Shift in cargo patterns**: increased use of Antwerp‑Bruges as an alternative to other congested Northern Range ports; reallocation of feeder loops; and new inland distribution routes built around upgraded rail hubs and barge links. ([gettransport.com](https://gettransport.com/articles/antwerp-bruges-global-gateway-supply-chains?utm_source=openai)) **Implications for ocean freight shippers in 2026** - With 2025 container volumes essentially flat but congestion still present, Antwerp‑Bruges enters 2026 as a **capacity‑constrained but efficient hub**, where: - **Stable TEU base** and ongoing **ECA extra‑capacity projects** should gradually ease physical bottlenecks. ([newsroom.portofantwerpbruges.com](https://newsroom.portofantwerpbruges.com/fr/communiques-de-presse/port-of-antwerp-bruges-cl%C3%B4ture-lann%C3%A9e-2025-en-faisant-preuve-de-r%C3%A9silience-dans-une-p%C3%A9riode-de-turbulences-%C3%A9conomiques?utm_source=openai)) - Increasing **barge (≈34% share) and rail (≈7%)** alleviate truck gate pressure but require shippers to commit to fixed schedules and pre‑carriage planning. ([inland-navigation-market.org](https://inland-navigation-market.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CCNR_annual_report_EN_2025_WEB.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - At a broader level, 2026 container market outlooks for Northwest Europe anticipate **vessel overcapacity and softer average freight rates**, but also warn that **“volatility isn’t going anywhere”** due to geopolitics, environmental costs, and port congestion episodes – meaning shippers may enjoy lower base rates but still face surcharges and schedule risk. ([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai)) **Key reading for you as a shipper / cargo owner** - Numerical anchors for planning: - **2025 Antwerp‑Bruges**: 13.63m TEU (+0.7%), 149.5m t containers (+0.4%), total 266.5m t (‑4.1%). ([container-news.com](https://container-news.com/antwerp-bruges-holds-container-volumes-steady-in-2025/?utm_source=openai)) - **2024 hinterland split**: Road ~59%, Barge ~34%, Rail ~7% (containers). ([inland-navigation-market.org](https://inland-navigation-market.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CCNR_annual_report_EN_2025_WEB.pdf?utm_source=openai)) Sources: ([newsroom.portofantwerpbruges.com](https://newsroom.portofantwerpbruges.com/en/press-releases/port-of-antwerp-bruges-ends-2025-with-resilience-in-a-turbulent-trading-climate?utm_source=openai)) === 2. [DEMAND SIGNALS] – EUROPE AIRFREIGHT DEMAND 2026 & BRUSSELS AIRPORT CARGO === **European air cargo demand context (2025 → start‑2026)** - IATA’s latest data (Dec 2025 and Jan 2026) show that: - **Global air cargo demand** (CTKs) grew **+6% YoY in Q4 2025**, with December alone at **+7% YoY**; ([ups.com](https://www.ups.com/de/en/supplychain/resources/news-and-market-updates/quarterly-freight-and-logistics-trends?utm_source=openai)) - **Europe** outperformed the global average in late 2025, posting around **+5.5% YoY growth** on international lanes, supported by **strong e‑commerce and resilient intra‑regional trade**; ([iata.org](https://www.iata.org/en/iata-repository/publications/economic-reports/air-cargo-market-analysis-december-2025/?utm_source=openai)) - January 2026 continued the expansion with **+5.6% YoY global demand**, driven again by **sustained e‑commerce** and recovering manufacturing exports. ([iata.org](https://www.iata.org/en/iata-repository/publications/economic-reports/air-cargo-market-analysis-january-2026/?utm_source=openai)) - A recent market forecast values the **Europe air cargo market at USD 10.92bn in 2025**, expected to reach **USD 11.50bn in 2026** and **USD 16.92bn by 2034** (CAGR **~5.3%** from 2026). Key growth drivers cited: **rapid e‑commerce expansion** and **time‑sensitive healthcare/pharma shipments**. ([marketdataforecast.com](https://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/europe-air-cargo-market?utm_source=openai)) **Brussels Airport cargo performance and mix** - **Full year 2025**: - Brussels Airport handled **795,000 tonnes of cargo**, **+8.5% vs 2024**; ([pressroom.brusselsairport.be](https://pressroom.brusselsairport.be/244-miljoen-passagiers-op-brussels-airport-in-2025-33-meer-dan-in-2024?utm_source=openai)) - This is above the **global air cargo growth trend** for 2025, meaning Brussels is **gaining share** in specialized segments. ([air-journal.fr](https://www.air-journal.fr/2026-05-12-brussels-airport-244-millions-de-passagers-en-2025-revenus-record-et-transition-acceleree-vers-des-avions-plus-silencieux-5275130.html?utm_source=openai)) - Passenger traffic reached **24.4 million (+3.3% vs 2024)**, supporting more **belly‑hold cargo capacity** on widebody routes. ([pressroom.brusselsairport.be](https://pressroom.brusselsairport.be/244-miljoen-passagiers-op-brussels-airport-in-2025-33-meer-dan-in-2024?utm_source=openai)) **Cargo product mix** (airport communications): - Brussels positions itself as a **“leading cargoplatform specialised in pharmaceuticals, perishables, e‑commerce and live animals”**. ([pressroom.brusselsairport.be](https://pressroom.brusselsairport.be/244-miljoen-passagiers-op-brussels-airport-in-2025-33-meer-dan-in-2024?utm_source=openai)) - The **Brucargo Central** logistics hub (opened Oct 2025, investment **€70m**) is designed to **strengthen its pharmaceutical hub role**, with tenants like DSV focusing on pharma/healthcare and EV Cargo targeting e‑commerce and retail flows. ([apollo-global-experts.com](https://www.apollo-global-experts.com/en/news/brussels-airport-unveils-eur70-million-brucargo-central-logistics-hub?utm_source=openai)) **Capacity, infrastructure and constraints** - 2025 financial results for Brussels Airport Company show: - **Record revenue €828m (+6% vs 2024)** and **EBITDA €356m (+3%)**, underpinned by growth in both passenger and cargo businesses. ([pressroom.brusselsairport.be](https://pressroom.brusselsairport.be/record-revenue-and-record-investment-for-brussels-airport-company-in-2025?utm_source=openai)) - **€302m capex in 2025** (a record), much of it into infrastructure, fleet‑noise transition and cargo side upgrades, supporting extra handling and warehousing capacity. ([air-journal.fr](https://www.air-journal.fr/2026-05-12-brussels-airport-244-millions-de-passagers-en-2025-revenus-record-et-transition-acceleree-vers-des-avions-plus-silencieux-5275130.html?utm_source=openai)) - Despite strong 2025 volumes, Brussels faces **operational and regulatory constraints** that shape 2026 capacity: - Noise and environmental pressure around Brussels has accelerated a **shift to quieter fleets**; local debates over night operations and emissions caps may limit unconstrained growth in freighter movements, indirectly pushing some flows (particularly heavy freighters and peak e‑commerce waves) to **Liège (LGG)** and other secondary hubs. ([air-journal.fr](https://www.air-journal.fr/2026-05-12-brussels-airport-244-millions-de-passagers-en-2025-revenus-record-et-transition-acceleree-vers-des-avions-plus-silencieux-5275130.html?utm_source=openai)) - Liège Airport, for example, reported a **14% cargo surge in 2025**, with **+16% YoY in December alone**, as it absorbs more **time‑critical industrial freight, pharma cold‑chain and Christmas e‑commerce** that cannot easily be slotted into Brussels’ constrained night‑time windows. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-09/be/lige-airport-posts-14-cargo-surge-doubling-down-on-freighters-first-strategy/?utm_source=openai)) **Rate environment and demand segments for 2026** - Macro signals for **2026 airfreight rates** in Europe: - Global analyses point to a **gradual normalization of airfreight yields from the 2021–22 peaks**, but with **ongoing volatility** driven by fuel prices, carbon regulation and airport ground‑charge hikes (which have been particularly strong in Europe). ([allianz.com](https://www.allianz.com/content/dam/onemarketing/azcom/Allianz_com/economic-research/publications/specials/en/2025/september/20250903-Sector-Atlas.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - IATA data suggests that while **freighters’ share of demand declined slightly (~‑1.6 ppts in 2025)**, **belly capacity is growing** with passenger recovery – a configuration that typically puts **downward pressure on average yields**, especially on major trunk routes. ([iata.org](https://www.iata.org/en/iata-repository/publications/economic-reports/air-cargo-market-analysis-december-2025/?utm_source=openai)) - Segment signals specific to **pharma, e‑commerce, perishables**: - Pharmaceutical and broader healthcare cargo is highlighted as the **most significant high‑margin growth area** in Europe’s air cargo market, reinforcing Brussels’ strategy as a **pharma hub**. ([marketdataforecast.com](https://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/europe-air-cargo-market?utm_source=openai)) - **E‑commerce** remains the **primary volume growth driver**, with intra‑Europe and EU‑Asia lanes recording **double‑digit demand increases (EU‑Asia ~+11.7% YoY in late 2025)**, benefitting airports with integrated express and fulfilment ecosystems like Brussels and Liège. ([ups.com](https://www.ups.com/de/en/supplychain/resources/news-and-market-updates/quarterly-freight-and-logistics-trends?utm_source=openai)) - Perishables (fresh produce, flowers, seafood) continue to rely on **fast, temperature‑controlled handling**; Brussels’ cold‑chain infrastructure expansion, combined with trucking links from the Netherlands, France and Germany, makes it a preferred gateway for certain niche flows, although these are not quantified separately in the latest public stats. ([pressroom.brusselsairport.be](https://pressroom.brusselsairport.be/244-miljoen-passagiers-op-brussels-airport-in-2025-33-meer-dan-in-2024?utm_source=openai)) **What this means for 2026 shippers** - For 2026 bid strategies and routing decisions: - Expect **mid‑single‑digit demand growth (≈5%+)** in European air cargo overall, with **above‑average growth for pharma and e‑commerce**, and somewhat flatter for generic industrial cargo. ([marketdataforecast.com](https://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/europe-air-cargo-market?utm_source=openai)) - At Brussels: cargo tonnage is coming off **+8.5% growth in 2025**, supported by new pharma/e‑commerce capacity rather than pure rate escalation. This suggests **some available headroom**, but peak windows (Q4, pre‑Chinese New Year, pharma launch cycles) will still see **tight capacity and rate spikes**. ([pressroom.brusselsairport.be](https://pressroom.brusselsairport.be/244-miljoen-passagiers-op-brussels-airport-in-2025-33-meer-dan-in-2024?utm_source=openai)) - Capacity constraints (noise, night slots) will likely **cap freighter growth at BRU**, so **time‑critical or very bulky flows** may increasingly be routed via **Liège and other secondary hubs**, while **high‑value pharma and express parcels** remain concentrated at BRU where specialized facilities justify premium handling charges. ([air-journal.fr](https://www.air-journal.fr/2026-05-12-brussels-airport-244-millions-de-passagers-en-2025-revenus-record-et-transition-acceleree-vers-des-avions-plus-silencieux-5275130.html?utm_source=openai)) Sources: ([pressroom.brusselsairport.be](https://pressroom.brusselsairport.be/244-miljoen-passagiers-op-brussels-airport-in-2025-33-meer-dan-in-2024?utm_source=openai)) === 3. [TIMING SIGNALS] – EU 2026 CUSTOMS/PHYTOSANITARY CHANGES & SEASONAL PEAKS FOR FRESH PRODUCE (BELGIUM + NEIGHBOURS) === **EU customs and import‑control reforms relevant to Belgian traders (2025–2026)** - **EU Customs Union reform – political agreement March 26, 2026**: Council and European Parliament reached agreement on a package modernising EU customs, including: - Creation of a **EU Customs Authority (EUCA)** and an **EU customs data hub** for centralized risk management; - **“Priority control areas” and common risk criteria** allowing authorities to focus checks on high‑risk goods; - A move towards **more real‑time, data‑driven controls** rather than document‑driven post‑clearance checks. ([consilium.europa.eu](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/modernising-the-eu-customs-union/?utm_source=openai)) - For shippers using Belgian ports and airports, this points to **more harmonised and possibly earlier risk‑based screening**, especially for sensitive agri‑food and high‑risk categories. - **Low‑value consignment reform – impact on e‑commerce importers**: - In **November 2025**, EU finance ministers agreed to **eliminate the €150 customs duty relief threshold** for low‑value goods, meaning **all e‑commerce parcels entering the EU will become dutiable** once implementing rules enter into force. ([consilium.europa.eu](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/modernising-the-eu-customs-union/?utm_source=openai)) - Timing: implementation is expected to **phase in from 2028 onward** under the broader customs reform, but market commentary already flags this as a **structural cost increase** on cross‑border e‑commerce flows into Belgium (especially via Antwerp‑Bruges and Brussels Airport), which may influence 2026–27 sourcing and stock‑holding strategies. ([consilium.europa.eu](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/modernising-the-eu-customs-union/?utm_source=openai)) **Phytosanitary and official‑controls framework** - The governing framework for veterinary, plant‑health and food‑safety border controls is the **Official Controls Regulation (EU) 2017/625**, fully applicable since December 2019 and continuously updated with implementing and delegated acts. - It establishes a **common framework for border controls on animals and goods entering the EU**, including risk‑based checks, sampling and lab analysis methods for all agri‑food sectors. ([food.ec.europa.eu](https://food.ec.europa.eu/horizontal-topics/official-controls-and-enforcement/legislation-official-controls_en?utm_source=openai)) - The regulation clarifies that rules on **sampling, analysis, tests and diagnosis** apply both to **official controls** and other official activities across the food and feed chain. ([food.ec.europa.eu](https://food.ec.europa.eu/horizontal-topics/official-controls-and-enforcement/legislation-official-controls_en?utm_source=openai)) - While there is **no single “big‑bang” phytosanitary change dated specifically to 2026** for Belgium, several ongoing developments affect trading conditions: - **Tightening risk‑based checks** for high‑risk non‑EU plant products, including increased inspection frequencies for specific fresh fruits and vegetables if EU‑wide interception data show higher pest/disease incidence (e.g., citrus pests, fruit flies). These are implemented via **periodically updated implementing regulations** under 2017/625 rather than one‑off 2026 reforms. ([food.ec.europa.eu](https://food.ec.europa.eu/horizontal-topics/official-controls-and-enforcement/legislation-official-controls_en?utm_source=openai)) - Continued roll‑out and refinement of **TRACES and ICS2** (Import Control System 2) data requirements improve pre‑arrival information for sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) risk analysis, which may **shift more checks to the pre‑departure / pre‑arrival phase** for air and sea consignments moving via Belgium. ([consilium.europa.eu](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/modernising-the-eu-customs-union/?utm_source=openai)) **Timing and peak‑season implications for fresh produce exports/imports** For agri‑food and perishable exporters using Belgium and neighbouring countries (NL, FR, DE) as gateways, seasonal peaks in **2026** will broadly mirror historical patterns: - **Belgium – key fresh produce export seasons** (primarily via road to neighbouring EU, with some seaborne and air exports): - **Pears (Conference)**: harvest from **late August–September**, export peak **Q4 (Oct–Dec) and Q1** of the following year as stored fruit is shipped. Large volumes leverage Antwerp and Rotterdam for extra‑EU markets and Brussels for high‑value segments. - **Apples**: similar harvest (Aug–Sep) and shipping peaks **Q4–Q1**. - **Greenhouse vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers)**: main export season **April–September**, with strong cross‑border flows to Germany, France, UK/Ireland (via NL ports) and the Nordics. - **Frozen vegetables and processed potatoes** (Belgium is a major EU exporter): exports are more **evenly distributed year‑round**, but **contract renegotiation and spot demand spikes** cluster around **Q3–Q4** as northern hemisphere harvests conclude and buyers lock in winter supplies. *(These seasonal patterns are derived from long‑run Eurostat/FAO trade data and national sector reports; the basic calendar has been stable and remains a reasonable guide for 2026.)* - **Neighbouring countries – seasonal peaks influencing Belgian logistics corridors**: - **Netherlands (NL)**: - **Fresh vegetables & salad crops** (greenhouse): strong export waves **Feb–Oct**, with particularly high outbound volumes **March–June**, feeding air and shortsea routes via Rotterdam, Antwerp and regional airports (AMS, BRU). - **Cut flowers & plants**: strong peaks around **Valentine’s Day (Feb), Easter (Mar/Apr), Mother’s Day (May)** and **All Saints/Christmas**; much of this moves through Dutch auctions but transit and consolidation platforms in Belgium handle associated packaging and logistics. - **France**: - **Stone fruit (apricots, peaches, nectarines)**: export focus **June–August**, with some flows using Belgian/Netherlands logistics hubs for Northern European distribution. - **Table grapes & apples**: main export waves **Q3–Q4**. - **Germany**: more of a **demand destination** for Benelux produce; seasonal peaks in **imports from Belgium/NL** align with the Belgian green‑veg and pome‑fruit calendars above. **Interaction with customs / SPS changes in 2026** - Because the **EU customs reform and data‑hub model** are still in implementation rather than fully operational in 2026, **most short‑term impact for Belgian fresh‑produce exporters/importers** will come from: - **Incremental changes in inspection frequencies** for specific high‑risk commodities and origins (e.g., if a particular origin of citrus or ex‑EU vegetables records more SPS violations, importers using Antwerp or Zeebrugge may face higher inspection rates and clearance times in late 2025/2026). ([food.ec.europa.eu](https://food.ec.europa.eu/horizontal-topics/official-controls-and-enforcement/legislation-official-controls_en?utm_source=openai)) - **Higher data and pre‑lodgement expectations** (advanced cargo information, electronic certificates, etc.), which will be most critical in **peak seasons (e.g., Sept–Dec for fruit, spring for greenhouse vegetables)** when any delay translates quickly into quality loss. ([food.ec.europa.eu](https://food.ec.europa.eu/horizontal-topics/official-controls-and-enforcement/legislation-official-controls_en?utm_source=openai)) - For e‑commerce food products and small parcels, the **planned abolition of the €150 duty‑free threshold** (though post‑2026 in terms of full legal effect) is already prompting **2026 pilots of new customs data‑hub processes** with major platforms. Traders using Belgium for cross‑border fulfilment should factor in **future duty costs and potentially more systematic SPS screening of food and supplements** coming via parcel flows. ([consilium.europa.eu](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/modernising-the-eu-customs-union/?utm_source=openai)) **Practical timing takeaways for 2026** - **High‑risk windows for congestion/SPS delays at Belgian borders** are likely to coincide with: - **Q3–Q4 2026**: overlapping **peak seaborne fruit imports (Southern Hemisphere → EU)**, **Benelux pome fruit exports**, and **Q4 e‑commerce peak**, stressing inspection and customs resources at Antwerp‑Bruges and Brussels Airport. - **Spring 2026 (Mar–Jun)**: greenhouse‑veg peaks from Belgium and NL plus major flower and plant peaks around Easter and Mother’s Day. - To manage 2026 risk, exporters/importers should: - Build **extra lead‑time buffers (1–2 days)** into critical fresh‑produce lanes via Antwerp/Zeebrugge/Brussels during these periods. - Ensure **full digital pre‑declarations** (TRACES, ICS2 data, electronic phytosanitary/health certs) to benefit from **risk‑based “green lane” clearance** wherever possible. ([food.ec.europa.eu](https://food.ec.europa.eu/horizontal-topics/official-controls-and-enforcement/legislation-official-controls_en?utm_source=openai)) Sources: ([consilium.europa.eu](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/modernising-the-eu-customs-union/?utm_source=openai)) Sources: • Port of Antwerp-Bruges ends 2025 with resilience https://newsroom.portofantwerpbruges.com/en/press-releases/port-of-antwerp-bruges-ends-2025-with-resilience-in-a-turbulent-trading-climate?utm_source=openai • Antwerp-Bruges holds container volumes steady in 2025 - Container News https://container-news.com/antwerp-bruges-holds-container-volumes-steady-in-2025/?utm_source=openai • Groei containers verzacht impact dalende bulktrafieken en congestie https://newsroom.portofantwerpbruges.com/persberichten/groei-containers-verzacht-impact-van-dalende-bulktrafieken-en-congestie-in-eerste-jaarhelft?utm_source=openai • Port of Antwerp https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Antwerp?utm_source=openai • Antwerp‑Bruges: Practical Impacts on Container Logistics https://gettransport.com/articles/antwerp-bruges-global-gateway-supply-chains?utm_source=openai • Port of Antwerp-Bruges clôture l'année 2025 avec résilience https://newsroom.portofantwerpbruges.com/fr/communiques-de-presse/port-of-antwerp-bruges-cl%C3%B4ture-lann%C3%A9e-2025-en-faisant-preuve-de-r%C3%A9silience-dans-une-p%C3%A9riode-de-turbulences-%C3%A9conomiques?utm_source=openai)