Household consumption picks up

For the first time in over a year, household consumption has improved. Spending on goods and services was 0.8 percent up in March 2010 compared to March 2009. Household spending on goods was up by 1.7 percent, mainly caused by an increase in sales of durable consumer goods. The total amount Dutch households spent on services was the same as in March 2009. Consumption figures have been adjusted for price changes and differences in the shopping-day pattern.

Spending on durable consumer goods was 5.5 percent up on one year previously. The substantial growth follows a period of eighteen months, in which spending on durable consumer goods was markedly lower. Car sales had already risen in the first months of the year, but in March car sales soared relative to twelve months ago. Households also spent more on shoes, clothes and household goods and appliances. Dutch households spent less on home furnishings. 

Consumption of food, drinks and tobacco increased marginally. Consumption of motor fuels declined noticeably in March relative to March 2009.

Domestic household consumption (volume)