Dutch Household Spending Growth Slows in July

Household consumption in the Netherlands rose by 1.2% year-on-year in July 2026, the softest growth in three months, slowing from a 1.7% increase in June. The slowdown was mainly driven by weaker growth in spending on goods, with consumer goods purchases rising 2.2%, down from 3.2% in June. Durable goods recorded the strongest growth, but at a softer pace of 3.1% (vs 5.5%), as households bought more cars, clothing, electrical appliances, shoes, and household goods. Spending on food, beverages and tobacco also grew at a slower pace of 2.0% (vs 2.8%), while consumption of other goods moderated too (0.4% vs 1.0%). Household consumption services also softened (0.5% vs 0.8%), despite higher spending on transport and communication, medical services, recreation and culture, and housing. Spending on services accounts for well over half of total domestic household consumption expenditure.

Household consumption in the Netherlands increased 1.7% year-on-year in June 2026, easing from an over one-year high of 2.2% in May. The softer pace of spending growth reflected weaker momentum across most categories, with consumer goods purchases rising 3.0% from a year earlier (vs 4.6% in May). Durable goods growth moderated to 5.7% from 7.1% in May, with most spending concentrated on cars and electrical appliances. Spending on food, beverages, and tobacco also slowed, rising 2.4% (vs 3.0%), while consumption of other goods declined (-1.5% vs 1.8%). Meanwhile, household consumption of services strengthened, increasing 0.8% from 0.5% in May, supported by higher spending on transport and communication, medical services, and housing. Households also spent more 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 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.