Household consumption in January the same year on year

• Households spent as much in January as they did a year earlier.
• More food, beverages and tobacco, fewer durable goods.
• Consumption conditions less unfavourable in February.

Households spent the same amount on goods and services in January, year on year, according to figures released by Statistics Netherlands (CBS). In the previous month, December 2025, consumption had increased by 0.8 percent.

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 February were less unfavourable than they were in January.

No change in spending on goods and services

Households spent 0.4 percent more on food, beverages, and tobacco in January 2026 than they did in January 2025, adjusted for price changes. However, spending on durable goods was down by 1.4 percent. In particular, households spent less on passenger cars, home furnishing and clothing. Furthermore, households spent 2.1 percent more on other goods (like energy and personal care products), year on year.

Consumers spent the same on services in January than they did in the same month of 2025 (adjusted for price changes). Spending was up on transport and communication, but down on recreation and culture. Spending on services accounted for over half of total domestic consumer expenditure.

Consumer climate less unfavourable in February

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 February 2026, conditions for Dutch household consumption were less unfavourable than they were in January. This was mainly because manufacturers were more positive about future employment in their company and the year-on-year increase in share prices was higher.