Household consumption up by 0.8 percent in December

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. Conditions for Dutch household consumption in January were more unfavourable than they were in December.

Higher spending on goods and services

Households spent 2.1 percent more on food, beverages, and tobacco in December 2025 than they did in December 2024, adjusted for price changes. Spending on durable goods was up by 0.4 percent. In particular, households purchased more electrical appliances and footwear, but spent 1.8 percent less on other goods (like energy and motor fuels), year on year.

Consumers spent 1.2 percent more on services in December than they did in the same month of 2024 (adjusted for price changes). Spending was up on transport and communication, medical services, accommodation and food services and recreation and culture, in particular. Spending on services accounted for over half of total domestic consumer expenditure.

Consumer climate more unfavourable in January

Every month, CBS publishes figures on the conditions for household consumption in its visualisation of Consumption Conditions. Household consumption is influenced by factors such as consumer expectations, their personal financial situation and labour market conditions. Although the indicators are closely correlated with household consumption, improved conditions do not necessarily translate into an increase in consumption.

For January 2026, conditions for Dutch household consumption were more unfavourable than they were in December. This was mainly because the year-on-year growth of the employed labour force was smaller and consumers were less positive about their financial situation over the next twelve months.