Zero growth for household consumption in September

Household spending on goods and services was at the same level in September 2012 as in September 2011. In the preceding 13 months, consumption decreased. Consumption figures have been adjusted for price changes and differences in the shopping-day pattern.

Spending on durable consumer goods was 0.8 percent up on September 2011. The increase was the first in well over a year. In the Netherlands, the general rate of value added tax rate was increased from 19 to 21 percent, effective from 1 October 2012. In anticipation of this measure, Dutch consumers might have shopped for pricier items in September. Clothing, shoes and appliances were particularly in demand. Spending on furniture and cars, on the other hand, was substantially lower than twelve months previously – just as in the preceding months.

Spending on food, drinks and tobacco was 1.7 percent higher. Household spending on other goods (e.g. motor fuels) fell by 2.2 percent, though. Spending on services was 0.3 percent lower.

The Household Consumption Radar shows the conditions for household consumption. These conditions deteriorated in November.

Domestic household consumption (volume, adjusted for shopping-days)