Household consumption up by 0.4 percent in March

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 April shows that conditions for Dutch household consumption in April were, on balance, more favourable than they were in March.

Spending on services went up

In March, consumers spent 0.7 percent more on services year on year (adjusted for price changes). These services include public transport, communication, recreation and culture. Spending on services makes up over half of all expenditure on domestic household consumption.

Households spent 4.7 percent more on durable goods, such as on clothing and footwear. Spending was the same on food, beverages and tobacco (adjusted for price changes) as one year previously. They spent 7.5 percent less on other goods, such as energy and motor fuels. March 2024 was less cold than March 2023.

Consumer climate more favourable in April

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 April, conditions for Dutch household consumption in April were more favourable than they were in March. This is mainly because the year-on-year price increase for owner-occupied dwellings and the year-on-year increase in share prices were larger.