The volume of individual domestic consumer spending increased by 2.1 percent in May 2001 compared to the same month last year, virtually equal to the increase over the first five months. Figures from Statistics Netherlands further show that not all categories contributed to this growth.
Consumer durables down in May
In May 2002, the volume of consumer spending on durable goods decreased by 1.9 percent compared to May 2001. Consumer spending was down in all categories, with the exception of consumer electronics and transport equipment. In May, the most significant reduction in the volume of spending was on footwear, leather products, clothing and textiles. Additionally, after adjustments for price changes, consumers also spent less money on home decoration, household appliances and other durables than in May last year.
Nevertheless, the volume of spending on consumer durables rose in the period from January to May 2002. Compared to the first five months of the previous year, consumers spent 1.1 percent more in the category consumer durables.
Sharp rise in spending on food, beverages and tobacco
In May 2002, the volume of spending on food, beverages and tobacco was 5.6 percent up on May 2001. The relatively high growth had to do with a more favourable scheme of shopping days than in May last year. In the first five months of 2002, consumers spent 1.7 percent more on food, beverages and tobacco than in the corresponding period last year.
Spending on services stable
For the ninth month in a row, the volume growth of spending on services was in the region of two percent. For a considerable time ow, the highest volume growth has been for medical and care services and transport and communications.
(source: Statistics Netherlands)
