Household consumption 2.1 percent up

Household spending on goods and services was 2.1 percent higher in August 2007 than in August 2006. Dutch consumers spent 2.2 percent more on goods in August and 2.1 percent more on services. Figures have been adjusted for price changes and differences in the number of shopping days.

Household spending on food, drinks and tobacco increased considerably in August by 3.1 percent relative to the same month one year previously. The growth rate of spending on durable consumer goods dropped dramatically relative to July. However, with an increase by nearly 10 percent, spending on durable goods was exceptionally high in July. New car sales improved significantly in August.

In the first half of 2007, the growth rate of domestic consumption did not reach the level of 2006. This is mainly due to lower energy consumption. On account of the relatively mild weather, households used less gas for heating. Consumption growth in summer was back to last year’s level.

Domestic household consumption (volume)