Household consumption up by over 2 percent in August

Households spent 2.1 percent more on goods and services in August, year on year, according to figures released by Statistics Netherlands (CBS). They bought more goods, in particular. In July, consumption grew by 1.2 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 were slightly more unfavourable in September than they were in August.

More spending on durable goods

Spending on durable goods was up by 5.5 percent. Households spent more on passenger cars, electrical appliances and home furnishing. They also spent 2.1 percent more on food, beverages and tobacco in August 2026 than they did in August 2025, adjusted for price changes. Households spent 0.1 percent less on other goods (mainly less motor fuels), year on year.

Consumers spent 1.4 percent more on services in August, year on year (adjusted for price changes). More was spent on transport and communication, medical services, recreation and culture, housing and accommodation and food services. Spending on services accounted for over half of total domestic consumer expenditure.

Consumer climate more unfavourable in September

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 September 2026, the conditions for household consumption in the Netherlands were slightly more unfavourable than they were in August. This was mainly because manufacturers were less positive about future employment in their company. Consumers were also more negative about future unemployment.