The second-largest drop ever seen in consumer confidence

The sentiment among consumers in the Netherlands in April has deteriorated significantly, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Consumer confidence stood at -44 in April, down from -30 in March. That is the second-largest drop seen since the start of this statistic in April 1986. Only in April 2020, at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, was the decline in confidence more pronounced.

With a headline figure of -44, the consumer confidence indicator for April is positioned well below its long-term average for the previous twenty years (-11). The indicator reached its all-time high (36) in January 2000, while the all-time low (-59) was in September and October 2022. Statistics Netherlands has monitored consumer confidence every month since April 1986, based on its consumer survey. Consumer confidence is assessed using five questions, where the balance of positive and negative responses is taken from each question. If all consumers are positive, the balance is 100. If all consumers are negative, the balance is -100.

Consumers significantly more negative about the economic climate

Consumers were significantly more negative about the economy in April than they were in March. This component of the indicator fell from -54 to -72. Only from August to October 2022 were consumers more negative about the economy. In April 2026, consumers were both significantly more negative about the economic outlook for the next twelve months and the economic situation over the past twelve months.

Willingness to buy also deteriorates sharply

In April, willingness to buy was -26, down from -15 in March. Only once was the decline in willingness to buy more pronounced: in April 2020. Consumers were both more negative about their financial outlook for the next twelve months and their personal financial outlook over the previous twelve months. Consumers were also significantly more negative about making large purchases in April than they were in March.