Household consumption over 6 percent up in January

These are volume figures, i.e. figures adjusted for price changes. In addition, they have been adjusted for differences in the shopping-day pattern. The CBS Consumption Radar shows that circumstances for Dutch household consumption in February were, on balance, more favourable than in January.

Households spent more on services

In January 2023, consumers spent 12.2 percent more on services compared to January 2022 (adjusted for price changes). However, in January last year, accommodation and food services, cinemas, theatres and museums had to keep their doors closed for almost the entire month. Spending on services accounts for over half of total domestic consumer expenditure.

Adjusted for price changes, households spent 5.0 percent less on food, beverages and tobacco. However, they spent 5.3 percent more on durable goods than in January 2022. Spending on clothing, textiles, footwear and electrical appliances was up in particular. Non-essential shops were subject to a hard lockdown until mid-January 2022. Spending on other goods, such as natural gas, was 3.1 percent down in January year on year. It was less cold than in January 2022 and consumers saved on their household energy consumption. However, they spent more on motor fuels and personal care products.

Over a week ago, CBS reported that the volume of sales in retail trade in January 2023 was 0.4 percent higher than in January 2022. The volume of sales in the non-food sector increased by 12 percent, while it decreased by 6 percent in the food sector. These figures have also been adjusted for the shopping-day pattern.

Consumer climate more favourable in February

Every month, CBS publishes figures about circumstances for household consumption in the CBS Consumption Radar. Household consumption is influenced by factors such as 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 do not necessarily translate into a higher increase in consumption.

According to the CBS Consumption Radar, circumstances for Dutch household consumption were more favourable in February compared to January. The year-on-year decrease in stock market prices turned into an increase. Consumers were less pessimistic about their financial situation in the next twelve months and more positive about the future development of unemployment. Furthermore, manufacturers were more positive about their expected workforce.