Dutch Household Spending Growth Strongest in Over a Year

2026-07-08 04:46 By Kyrie Dichosa 1 min. read

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.



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