Household consumption down by 0.7 percent in June

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 July shows that conditions for household consumption in the Netherlands in July were, on balance, slightly less favourable than they were in June.

Lower spending on goods

Households spent 2.8 percent less on food, beverages and tobacco (adjusted for price changes). They also spent 1.7 percent less on durable goods than in June 2023. They spent less on vehicles, for instance.

Consumers spent 0.2 percent more on services year on year, adjusted for price changes. Services include insurance, public transport and medical services. Spending on accommodation and food services went down year on year. Spending on services makes up over half of all domestic household consumption.

Consumer climate slightly less favourable in July

Every month, CBS publishes figures about the conditions for household consumption in its Consumption Radar. Household consumption is influenced by factors such as consumer 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 July, conditions for Dutch household consumption in July were less favourable than they were in June. This was mainly because manufacturers were less positive about future employment, the year-on-year rise in share prices was smaller and consumers were less positive about their financial situation in the next 12 months.