Household consumption up by 0.5 percent in November

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 December were more unfavourable than they were in November.

Higher spending on services

Consumers spent 0.9 percent more on services in November than they did in the same month last year (adjusted for price changes). They spent mainly more on transport and communication, and medical services. Spending on services accounted for over half of total domestic consumer expenditure.

Households spent 1.4 percent more on durable goods than they did in November 2024, adjusted for price changes. In particular, they purchased more footwear, electrical appliances and clothing. Spending on food, beverages, and tobacco was up by 1.1 percent compared to November 2024. Households spent 3.4 percent less on other goods (like energy and motor fuels), year on year.

Consumer climate more unfavourable in December

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 December, conditions for Dutch household consumption were more unfavourable than they were in November. This was mainly because consumers were more negative about future unemployment and the year-on-year growth of the employed labour force was smaller.