AMSTERDAM, Reuters – The third quarter saw an increase in freight volumes at Rotterdam’s port as international trade continues to rebound from the COVID-19 slump. This was according to Europe’s biggest seaport.

The port stated that trade flows from Rotterdam to the United Kingdom have increased by almost 9% in the first nine months, with strong growth across almost every segment.

“These numbers show that the economy’s upward trajectory is being maintained.” Allard Castelein, chief executive at the port, stated that factories and businesses are expanding to meet increasing demand.

The port stated that strong consumer spending had pushed container freight back up to its pre-pandemic level, while transportation prices have risen sharply.

Rotterdam’s container numbers increased more quickly than total goods shipped. As such, transport of heavy and low-value goods decreased.

Economic recovery has also driven up the demand for bulk goods like iron ore which is used in steelmaking, as well as oil products.

The transport of coal nearly doubled during the first nine months, because the amount of gas and wind power available was insufficient to meet Europe’s growing energy demands.