Household consumption up by over 1 percent in January

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 February shows that conditions for household consumption in the Netherlands in February were, on balance, more favourable than they were in January.

Higher spending on goods and services

Households spent 3.2 percent more on food, beverages and tobacco (adjusted for price changes) than they did in January 2024. They also spent 1.5 percent more on durable goods. They bought more clothing, footwear and home furnishing, in particular. However, consumers used 0.5 percent less other goods, such as energy and motor fuels products.

Consumers spent 0.9 percent more on services compared to the previous year, adjusted for price changes. They spent more on transportation and communication, accommodation and food services, and recreation and cultural services, in particular. Spending on services makes up over half of all domestic household consumption.

Consumer climate more favourable in February

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 February, conditions for Dutch household consumption in February were more favourable than they were in January. This was mainly because manufacturers were also more positive about future hiring and employment.