Dutch consumer spending up
The CBS Consumption Radar shows that circumstances for Dutch household consumption are more favourable in July than in June and May.
Consumption figures have been adjusted for price changes and differences in the shopping-day pattern.
Dutch consumers buy more food, beverages and tobacco products and durable goods
Consumer spending on food, beverages and tobacco products was 2.3 percent up in May 2016 from one year previously, spending on durable goods was 2.2 percent up. Consumer spending on home furnishing and household appliances in particular increased again.
Last week, CBS already reported that retail turnover was slightly down from May 2015, but adjusted for the shopping-day pattern, retail turnover would have been higher than in May last year.
Spending in the category ‘other goods’ - which includes natural gas - was 1.3 percent up. Lastly, household spending on services - accounting for more than half of total domestic consumer spending - grew by 1 percent. These services include house rent, public transport, visits to restaurants or hairdressers and insurance premiums.
| % change | |
|---|---|
| Food; drinks and tobacco | 2.3 |
| Durable consumer goods | 2.2 |
| Other goods (e.g. gas) | 1.3 |
| Services | 1 |
| Total | 1.4 |
Consumer climate more favourable in July
CBS also publishes monthly figures about circumstances for household consumption. Household consumption is affected by consumers’ expectations, their personal financial situation and developments on the job market.
According to CBS Consumption Radar, circumstances for Dutch household consumption were more favourable in July than in May. This is mainly because consumers are less negative about future unemployment and their personal financial situation in the next 12 months.
The numbers in this publication are provisional and can be adjusted.
Sources
- StatLine - Spending; consumption household