Household consumption 2.5 percent up in June

Household spending on goods and services was 2.5 percent higher in June 2007 than in June 2006. Consumption growth has not been this high since December 2006. Dutch consumers spent 3.3 percent more on goods in June and 1.7 percent more on services. Figures have been adjusted for price changes and differences in the number of shopping days.

Household spending on durable consumer goods increased considerably in June by 7.3 percent relative to the same month one year previously. With the exception of May 2007, spending on durable consumer goods has been high for two years now.

In the first six months of 2007, households spent 5 percent more on durable consumer goods than in the same period last year. They bought more consumer electronics and household appliances. Expenditure on clothes and textiles was also considerably higher.

In the first half of 2007, the growth rate of domestic consumption did not reach the level of 2006. This is mainly due to a lower energy consumption. On account of the relatively mild weather, households used less gas for heating.

Domestic household consumption (volume)