Consumption growth less robust

Dutch households spent 1.9 percent more on goods and services in January 2008 than one year previously. Consumption growth in January was less robust than in the preceding four months.

For the first time in nearly two years, consumers spent less on food, drinks and tobacco than the year before. Consumption in this category decreased by 1.2 percent in January. Spending on durable consumer goods rose by 1.1 percent relative to the same month one year previously, but the growth was less substantial than in the preceding months. Consumers spent less on home furnishing and more on household appliances. Altogether, spending on consumer goods rose by 0.7 percent.

Households spending on services increased by 3 percent. This is mainly due to the introduction of the excess policy in health care. As a result, consumers pay more for medical services. In 2007, consumers on average spent more on services than the year before.

Domestic household consumption (volume)