Household consumption up by 0.2 percent in May

These are volume figures, which means they are adjusted for price changes. In addition, they have been adjusted for differences in the shopping-day pattern. The CBS Consumption Radar for June shows that conditions for Dutch household consumption in June were, on balance, slightly more favourable than they were in May.

Spending on services went up

In May, consumers spent 0.7 percent more on services year on year, adjusted for price changes. Services include public transport, communication, recreation and culture, and accommodation and food services, and spending on services makes up over half of all expenditure on domestic household consumption.

Households spent 3.4 percent more on durable goods, such as clothing, electrical appliances, footwear and home furnishing. On the other hand, consumers bought fewer passenger cars. Spending on food, beverages and tobacco (adjusted for price changes) was down by 1.9 percent. They spent 5.4 percent less on other goods, such as energy and motor fuels. May 2024 was less cold than May 2023.

Consumer climate slightly more favourable in June

Every month, CBS publishes figures about the conditions for household consumption in its Consumption Radar. Household consumption is influenced by factors such as consumers’ expectations, their personal financial situation and labour market conditions. Although the Radar indicators are closely correlated with household consumption, improved conditions do not necessarily translate into an increase in consumption.

According to the CBS Consumption Radar for June, conditions for Dutch household consumption in June were more favourable than they were in May. This was mainly due to a larger year-on-year increase in share prices and in the price of owner-occupied dwellings.