Household consumption up by almost 1 percent in March

These are volume figures, which means they are adjusted for price changes. In addition, they have been adjusted for differences in the shopping-day pattern. The CBS Consumption Radar for April shows that conditions for household consumption in the Netherlands in April were, on balance, more unfavourable than they were in March.

Higher spending on goods and services

Households spent 1.8 percent more on food, beverages and tobacco (adjusted for price changes) than they did in March 2024. They also spent 1.3 percent more on durable goods. They bought more footwear, clothing and electrical appliances, in particular. Consumption of other goods, such as energy and motor fuels, was the same as in March 2024.

Consumers spent 0.8 percent more on services compared to the previous year, adjusted for price changes. They mainly spent more on transportation and communication. Spending on services makes up over half of all domestic household consumption.

Consumer climate more unfavourable in April

Every month, CBS publishes figures about the conditions for household consumption in its Consumption Radar. Household consumption is influenced by factors such as consumer expectations, their personal financial situation and labour market conditions. Although the Radar indicators are closely correlated with household consumption, improved conditions do not necessarily translate into an increase in consumption.

According to the CBS Consumption Radar for April, conditions for Dutch household consumption were more unfavourable in April than they were in March. This was mainly because the year-on-year increase in share prices was smaller. Also, consumers were more negative about their financial situation over the next twelve months and about future unemployment.