Household consumption barely grows in April as spending on energy and food falls

Household consumption in the Netherlands increased by just 0.2 percent in April compared with the same month last year, new data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) shows. The modest growth was driven mainly by higher spending on services, while spending on goods—including energy and food—declined.

CBS said the figures are adjusted for inflation and differences in shopping days. In April, consumers spent 0.8 percent more on services, particularly in the transportation and communication sectors. Services now account for more than half of all domestic consumer spending.

The overall increase was reportedly limited by sharp declines in other categories. Household spending on food and beverages fell by 0.7 percent year over year, after adjusting for price fluctuations. Spending on other goods—including electricity, gas and motor fuels—plunged 4.9 percent compared with April 2024.

There was one exception: spending on durable goods rose by 1.9 percent. Consumers bought more clothing, shoes and electrical appliances than they did a year earlier.

Despite the slight increase in April, CBS warned that conditions for household consumption worsened in May. According to the agency’s latest "consumption radar," which tracks broader economic indicators that influence consumer spending, economic sentiment declined. Households became more pessimistic about possible unemployment and their financial outlook for the next 12 months. In addition, stock prices, which had shown year-over-year gains, turned negative in May.

CBS noted that while the radar’s indicators are closely tied to consumer behavior, worsening conditions do not automatically lead to slower consumption growth. Still, the data point to growing pressure on household budgets.

The agency also published updated historical data, showing that household consumption rose sharply in 2021 and early 2022, but growth has slowed in recent years. After a period of stagnation and occasional declines in 2023, growth resumed in early 2024 but has remained modest. The 0.2 percent increase in April 2025 is one of the weakest in recent months, following a 1.2 percent rise in March and a 1.8 percent gain in February.