Household spending down

Dutch households spent 1.5 percent less on goods and services in January 2014 than twelve months previously. In November and December 2013 domestic consumption had grown marginally. This modest increase was preceded by nearly two and a half years of decline. Consumption figures have been adjusted for price changes and differences in the shopping-day pattern.

Household spending on durable goods was up by 1.2 percent in January 2014 from January 2013. Spending on durable goods had grown substantially in November (4.7 percent) and December (5.9 percent) last year. During the last months of 2013, car sales were considerably higher than twelve months previously. Household spending on food, drinks and tobacco fell by 2.6 percent. Due to the relatively mild weather, households also used far less natural gas for heating. Consumer spending on other goods, e.g. energy, was down by 9.8 percent relative to twelve months previously.

By means of six indicators, the Household Consumption Radar shows whether circumstances for Dutch household consumption have become more or less favourable. In March 2014, the radar shows that circumstances for consumption were less unfavourable than in February.

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