Household consumption up by 1 percent in April

These are the most recent figures on this topic. View the previous figures here.
© CBS

Households spent 1.0 percent more on goods and services in April, year on year, according to figures released by Statistics Netherlands (CBS). In March, consumption was up by 0.9 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 May were less unfavourable than they were in April.

More spending on durable goods

Spending on durable goods was up by 4.9 percent. In particular, households spent more on passenger cars, home furnishing and electrical appliances. They also spent 0.9 percent more on food, beverages, and tobacco in April 2026 than they did in April 2025, adjusted for price changes. Furthermore, households spent 0.5 percent more on other goods (like energy and personal care products), year on year.

Consumers spent 0.1 percent less on services in April, year on year (adjusted for price changes). Less was spent on accommodation and food services, but more on transport and communication. Spending on services accounted for over half of total domestic consumer expenditure.

Consumer climate less unfavourable in May

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 these indicators are closely correlated with household consumption, improved conditions do not necessarily translate into an increase in consumption.

For May 2026, the conditions for Dutch household consumption were less unfavourable than they were in April. This was mainly because the year-on-year increase in share prices was higher.