Modest consumption growth

Dutch households spent 1.0 percent more on goods and services in September than twelve months previously. The increase is almost the same as in August. Consumption figures have been adjusted for price changes and differences in the shopping-day pattern.

Household spending on goods was 0.7 percent up on September 2007. For the fourth month running, the volume of spending on food, drinks and tobacco was down on the same period twelve months previously. Expenditure on durable goods increased by 2.4 percent. Households spent considerably more on consumer electronics and household appliances but less on clothes, shoes and furniture.

The volume of household spending on services grew by 1.2 percent. In the first six months of 2008, consumer spending on services rose by approximately 3 percent relative to one year previously. Subsequently, growth slowed down dramatically. Consumer spending in the sector hotels and restaurants declined in recent months.

Domestic household consumption (volume)