Dutch Household Spending Rises the Most in 6 Months

Household consumption in the Netherlands rose by 1.8% year-on-year in May 2026, accelerating from a 1.0% increase in April and marking the strongest growth since February 2025. The increase was driven by higher spending across most categories, with consumer goods purchases rising 3.8% from a year earlier (vs 2.3% in April). Durable goods recorded the strongest growth, up 6.4% (vs 4.4%), as households bought more cars, shoes, clothing, and household goods. Spending on food, beverages and tobacco also strengthened, rising 2.0% (vs 0.7%), while consumption of other goods increased 1.4% (vs 0.5%). Meanwhile, household consumption services edged higher by 0.3% after remaining unchanged in April, supported by increased spending on transport and communication, medical services, and housing. However, households spent less in the hospitality sector and on recreation and culture. Spending on services accounts for well over half of total domestic household consumption expenditure.

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.