Dutch Household Spending Growth Slows in July

Household consumption in the Netherlands rose by 1.3% year-on-year in July 2025, easing from an upwardly revised 1.4% increase in the previous month. The slowdown was mainly driven by a decline in the consumption of food, beverages, and tobacco (-0.1% vs 2.8% in June) and softer spending growth in goods (1.6% vs 2.4%). On the other hand, consumers purchased more on services (1.1% vs 0.6%), primarily on transport and communication, recreation and culture, and hospitality, which together account for more than half of household consumption. Additionally, purchases rose for durable goods (3.7% vs 3.7%), driven by shoes, clothing, electrical appliances, and passenger cars, while spending on other goods such as energy, fuels, and personal care products was unchanged (0% vs -0.5%).