Dutch Personal Spending Falls the Most in Near 2 Years

Household consumption in the Netherlands grew by 1% year-on-year in April 2026, following a 0.9% rise in the previous month. This marked the fastest growth since last October, driven largely by durable goods, which households purchased 4.9% more than a year earlier (vs 4.7% in March). Consumers primarily bought more cars, electrical appliances, and household furnishings. Households also consumed more food and beverages (0.9% vs -0.5%) and other goods, such as energy and personal care products (0.5% vs -1.4%). Meanwhile, expenditure on services, which accounts for more than half of total household consumption, edged down 0.1% (vs 0.4%), reflecting lower spending on accommodation and food services despite gains in transport and communication. Looking ahead, conditions for household spending appeared somewhat less unfavorable in May, supported largely by a stronger year-on-year increase in share prices.

Household consumption in the Netherlands rose by 0.9% year-on-year in March 2026, rebounding from a 0.5% fall in the previous month. It marked the strongest increase since late November, driven mainly by durable goods, which households purchased 4.7% more than a year earlier (vs -1.1% in February). Spending was particularly strong on cars, electrical appliances, and household goods. Services expenditure, accounting for over half of total household consumption, also increased 0.4% from 0.1% in the prior month, as consumers spent more on transport and communication, medical services, and housing, but less on hospitality, recreation, and culture. In contrast, consumption decreased for food and beverages (-0.5% vs 0.3%) and other goods, such as energy and motor fuels (-1.4% vs -1.4%). Looking ahead, conditions for personal consumption were less favorable in April as consumers grew more pessimistic about their financial outlook and the year-on-year increase in stock prices was smaller.

Household consumption in the Netherlands fell 0.5% yoy in February 2026, deepening from a revised 0.3% decline in the prior month and marking a second straight contraction. The latest reading was also the steepest drop since June 2024, amid persistent cost pressures and a less supportive consumption backdrop. Spending on goods declined further (-1.4% vs -0.3% in January), weighed by weaker demand for durable goods (-1.1% vs -2.0%), such as passenger cars and clothing, as well as a sharp fall in other goods (-3.9% vs 1.9%), including energy and motor fuels. In contrast, spending on food, beverages, and tobacco rose further (0.3% vs 0.1%). Meanwhile, services expenditure, accounting for over half of total household consumption, edged up 0.1%, rebounding from a 0.2% drop in January. Looking ahead, conditions for personal consumption in March were assessed to be more cautious than in February.