Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to Thriving in Antwerp's Business Landscape
Antwerp, Belgium's vibrant diamond capital and a major European port, offers a unique blend of rich history and modern business opportunities. With its strategic location, diverse economy, and a welcoming entrepreneurial environment, Antwerp is an attractive destination for both local and international companies.
The Antwerp Seaport
Antwerp’s economy is significantly influenced by its strategic position as one of Europe’s largest and busiest ports. The Port of Antwerp acts as a key gateway for global trade, enhancing both the local and national economy of Belgium, contributing nearly 5% to the country’s GDP. No other European seaport is more centrally located than Antwerp. With over 300 liner services and 800 destinations, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the second largest port in Europe and ranks 13th among the world’s top container ports. It is also one of the fastest-growing ports, covering 13,000 hectares and employing over 160,000 people. Modernization has enabled it to handle the largest vessels, with capacities exceeding 20,000 TEUs.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the second largest port in Europe and ranks 13th among the world’s top container ports.
The volume of goods handled at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges has more than doubled in the last 20 years, reaching 269.7 million tons in 2023. Despite geopolitical tensions and an uncertain economic climate, total cargo volume was 143.2 million tonnes in the first half of 2024, marking a 3% increase from the previous year, driven by rising demand for container transport and other product categories.
The largest petrochemical cluster in Europe
Antwerp boasts a strong petrochemical sector, with numerous leading companies in refining and production located around its port. This industry is vital for the economy, providing essential materials for applications ranging from plastics to pharmaceuticals. The area hosts multiple chemical plants—refineries, crackers, and downstream facilities—co-located to enhance collaboration and reduce transportation costs. Companies work closely on production, energy, and waste treatment services, leading to efficient energy and cost management.
- The Antwerp chemical cluster is known as the "Chemical Port of Europe" and is the second-largest chemical cluster in the world.*
The top ten global chemical producers have operations in Antwerp, supported by four refineries (Total, ExxonMobil, Gunvor Petroleum Antwerp, ATPC) and three steam crackers that ensure a steady supply of raw materials. Recently, Ineos Oxide launched Europe's largest ethylene terminal there, reinforcing the port's status as a key hub for chemical feedstocks. The Port of Antwerp plays a crucial role in the European chemical industry, particularly in trade with Germany, which accounts for around 40% of its throughput. Major global firms like BASF, Covestro, and ExxonMobil leverage the port’s efficient multimodal transport and logistics infrastructure.
diamonds
Antwerp's economy prominently features its diamond industry, which has established the city as a global trading hub with a centuries-old legacy. The Antwerp Diamond District, situated near the Central Station, is home to numerous traders and manufacturers, making it essential for diamond cutting and polishing. Occupying less than a square mile, it boasts over 1,600 registered diamond traders. Currently, the diamond sector accounts for 12% of Belgium's exports to non-EU nations, with Antwerp handling over 85% of the global rough diamond trade and 50% of polished diamond trade.
Fashion industry & retail scene
Antwerp is a dynamic center for fashion, celebrated for its innovative designs and avant-garde style. This Belgian city holds a prominent place in the global fashion scene, largely due to the esteemed Royal Academy of Fine Arts, which has produced many influential designers shaping both local and international markets. In the 1980s, the Antwerp Six, a group of revolutionary designers, significantly contributed to the city's status as a fashion capital with their unconventional styles and conceptual clothing, earning worldwide recognition. Their influence has inspired a new wave of designers who embrace the city's eclectic vibe. The Antwerp fashion industry features a vibrant retail landscape, with boutiques and flagship stores highlighting both emerging and established talents. Fashion lovers flock to the shopping districts to explore a range of offerings, from high-end couture to sustainable fashion, reflecting an increasing focus on ethical practices in the industry. In CBRE’s annual Retailer Survey, Antwerp is typically chosen as Belgium’s most popular retail location among retailers.
Key high streets in Antwerp include:
Meir
The main shopping street, featuring popular international brands. Rents are in between 1,200 and 1,700 €/m².
Schuttershofstraat
Known for luxury fashion boutiques and designer stores. Rents are in between 900 and 1,400 €/m².
Huidevettersstraat
Known for middle segment retailers. Rents are in between 800 and 1,100 €/m².
Wilde Zee (Korte Gasthuisstraat & Lombardenvest)
A famous shopping district with trendy and cosy boutiques.
Rents are in between 600 and 1000 €/m².
Kammenstraat
A hub for trendy and independent retailers, focusing on street style. Rents are in between 400 and 650 €/m².
Nationalestraat
Famous for fashion-forward shops and concept stores. Rents are in between 200 and 500 €/m².
Steenhouwersvest & Kloosterstraat
Offers a mix of Belgian brands and vintage shops with unique finds. Rents are in between 350 and 550 €/m².
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Services economy and office market
Antwerp's services economy has been a crucial component of its overall economic landscape, characterized by a diverse range of sectors that contribute to its growth and development. The port city, known for its strategic location and robust infrastructure, has witnessed a shift from traditional manufacturing to a more service-oriented economy in recent years. The Antwerp office market is Belgium’s most important market outside of Brussels. It counts more than 2.175 million m². Key office districts include:
City Centre
Known for luxury fashion boutiques and designer stores. Antwerp's city center serves as a vibrant office district, blending historic architecture with modern business facilities. Rents are in between 150 and 195 €/m²/year.
Singel
The Antwerp Singel is a prominent office district located around the ring road of Antwerp, Belgium. It features a mix of modern office buildings and commercial spaces. Rents are in between 150 and 200 €/m²/year.
Port
Antwerp's port serves as a vital office district, particularly for logistics, shipping, and trade-related businesses. Rents are typically in between 110 and 160 €/m²/year.
Periphery
Some of the most office-friendly communes in the Antwerp Wider Peripheral include Wilrijk, Beveren, Mortsel and Hoboken. Rents are typically in between 110 and 160 €/m²/year.
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The logistics market in the province of Antwerp.
The logistics market in the province of Antwerp is thriving, primarily due to its strategic location and access to major transport routes.
A12/E19
The A12/E9 axis is a vital corridor that connects Antwerp with Brussels and other key regions, facilitating efficient road transport. Key communes along this axis include Boom, Puurs, Mechelen, and Willebroek. Here rents are in between 50 and 70 €/m²/year for logistics warehouses.
Port of Antwerp
The Port of Antwerp serving as a crucial hub for international container shipping and logistics services. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a landlord port and grants concessions. That means that the port authority owns or manages the land and gives it to companies for temporary use. Typical rents for logistics warehouses are in between 45 and 60 €/m²/year.
Blue Gate
New development zones like Blue Gate Antwerp to the South of the city are enhancing the logistics landscape. Blue Gate focuses on sustainable logistics, city logistics and innovation.
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