Household consumption 3 percent up in April

The CBS Consumption Radar shows that circumstances for Dutch household consumption in June are, on balance, somewhat less favourable than in April.

Consumption figures are adjusted for price changes and differences in the shopping-day pattern.

Dutch households spend more on clothing, shoes and cars

In April 2018, spending on durable goods, such as clothing, shoes and cars, was almost 8 percent up year-on-year. Spending on food, beverages and tobacco was over 1 percent up compared to April 2017. On the other hand, spending on the category ‘other goods’, such as natural gas, was almost 1 percent down.

Last week, CBS already reported that retail turnover was almost 6 percent up in April year-on-year, while the volume of sales increased by over 5 percent. This number was also adjusted for the shopping-day pattern.

Lastly, consumer spending on services - accounting for over half of total domestic consumer expenditure - rose by almost 3 percent relative to April 2017. These services include house rent, public transport, visits to restaurants or hairdressers and insurance premiums.

Consumer climate in June slightly less favourable than in April

CBS publishes figures about circumstances for household consumption on a monthly basis. Household consumption is affected by consumers’ expectations, their personal financial situation and developments on the labour market. Although the Radar indicators show a strong correlation with household consumption, improved circumstances are not necessarily translated into increased growth.

According to the CBS Consumption Radar, circumstances for Dutch household consumption in June are slightly less favourable than in April. In particular, manufacturers’ opinions on future employment in their sector and consumers expectations about future unemployment were less positive. On the other hand, growth of the employed labour force was higher.

The figures presented in this news release are provisional and can be adjusted.