Household consumption slightly up in April

These are volume figures, which means they are adjusted for price changes. In addition, they have been adjusted for differences in the shopping-day pattern. The CBS Consumption Radar for May shows that conditions for household consumption in the Netherlands were, on balance, more unfavourable in May than they were in April.

Higher spending on services

Consumers spent 0.8 percent more on services compared to the previous year, adjusted for price changes. They mainly spent more on transportation and communication. Spending on services makes up over half of all domestic household consumption.

Households spent 0.7 percent less on food, beverages and tobacco (adjusted for price changes) than they did in April 2024; consumption of other goods, such as energy and motor fuels, was 4.9 percent lower. However, they did spend 1.9 percent more on durable goods. In particular, they bought more clothing, footwear and electrical appliances.

Consumer climate more unfavourable in May

Every month, CBS publishes figures about the conditions for household consumption in its Consumption Radar. Household consumption is influenced by factors such as consumer expectations, their personal financial situation and labour market conditions. Although the Radar indicators are closely correlated with household consumption, improved conditions do not necessarily translate into an increase in consumption.

According to the CBS Consumption Radar for May, conditions for Dutch household consumption were more unfavourable in May than they were in April. This was mainly because consumers were more negative about future unemployment and about their financial situation over the next twelve months. Also, the year-on-year increase in share prices turned into a decrease.