In 1866, however, when the Canal through Zuid-Beveland opened up, the village flourished; the canal ran right through the middle of the village (dividing it into eastern and western parts) where sluices were located, bringing commercial traffic with it.

Hansweert in those days knew a disproportionately large number of bakeries, butchers, and cafes, and came to be called "Small Antwerp".

For a long time, Hansweert was an important stop on the shortest shipping route between the busy ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp, but all that changed when the Scheldt–Rhine Canal opened up and became the quicker route.

While the village has declined since the opening of the Scheldt–Rhine Canal, there is still an active community life.

In 2005, the old ferry to Perkpolder was restored; it now sails during the summer months for bicyclists and pedestrians.