Household consumption up by nearly 2 percent in May

Households spent 1.8 percent more on goods and services in May, year on year, according to figures released by Statistics Netherlands (CBS). They bought more goods, in particular. In April, consumption grew by 1.0 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 June were less unfavourable than they were in May.

More spending on durable goods

Spending on durable goods was up by 6.4 percent. In particular, households spent more on passenger cars, footwear, clothing and home furnishing. They also spent 2.0 percent more on food, beverages, and tobacco in May 2026 than they did in May 2025, adjusted for price changes. Furthermore, households spent 1.4 percent more on other goods (like energy and personal care products), year on year.

Consumers spent 0.3 percent more on services in May, year on year (adjusted for price changes). More was spent on transport and communication, medical services and housing, but less on accommodation and food services and on recreation and culture. Spending on services accounted for over half of total domestic consumer expenditure.

Consumer climate less unfavourable in June

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 June 2026, the conditions for household consumption in the Netherlands were less unfavourable than they were in May. This was mainly because consumers were less negative about their financial situation over the next twelve months.