Household consumption up by 1.1 percent in May

Households bought more goods and more services. These are volume figures, which means they have been adjusted for price changes. In addition, they have been adjusted for differences in the shopping day pattern. The CBS Consumption Radar shows that conditions for Dutch household consumption in June were more favourable than they were in May.

Higher spending on services

In May, consumers spent 1.8 percent more on services than in the same month last year (adjusted for price changes). Services include insurance, public transport and visits to restaurants, events, or hairdressers. Spending on services accounts for over half of total domestic consumer expenditure.

Adjusted for price changes, households bought 0.7 percent more durable goods than in May 2024. They purchased more vehicles, in particular. Households spent 0.3 percent less on food, beverages, and tobacco than in May 2024. Households bought 0.2 percent less other goods such as energy, motor fuels, and personal care products in May.

Consumer climate more favourable in June

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 June, conditions for Dutch household consumption were more favourable in June than they were in May. This was mainly because consumers were less negative about future unemployment and the year-on-year decrease in share prices turned into an increase.