Household consumption down

Dutch household spending on goods and services was 3.5 percent lower in August than in August 2008. In July, household spending dropped by 2.3 percent. Domestic household consumption has been lower than one year previously for the past eight months. Consumption figures are adjusted for price changes and differences in the shopping-day pattern.

Household spending on goods was 6.2 percent down on one year previously. The downturn was partially caused by the fact that, since this school year, study books for secondary education are financed by the government and are therefore no longer included in household consumption. Households spent 1.3 percent less on services.

Dutch consumers remained cautious about buying durable consumer goods. The purchase of durable consumer goods dropped by 8.0 percent relative to one year previously. Consumers cut back spending on household appliances, furniture and new cars.

The volume of spending on food, drinks and tobacco was 0.2 percent down on one year previously. Households have reduced spending in this category of articles for more than a year.

Domestic household consumption (volume)