Increase in household consumption

In May 2010, household spending on goods and services was 1.2 percent up on May 2009. The growth was more substantial than in April, when households spent 0.4 percent more than one year previously. Cooler weather conditions in May largely accounted for the growth; households consumed considerably more natural gas than one year previously. Households spent 2.9 percent more on goods in May, whereas spending on services dropped by 0.2 percent. Consumption figures have been adjusted for price changes and differences in the shopping-day pattern.

Consumption of food, drinks and tobacco was almost 4 percent up on one year previously. Spending on durable consumer goods was 1 percent up in May 2010 relative to May 2009. Although spending on cars was higher than one year previously, the increase was less substantial than in the preceding months. Spending on household goods also increased, but Dutch consumers spent less on shoes and clothes in May.

Domestic household consumption (volume)