28 October 2016

2016- n° 284

Household consumption expenditure on goods faltered slightly in September (−0.2%) and decreased by 0.5% over the third quarter Household consumption expenditure on goods - September 2016

In September 2016, household consumption expenditure on goods declined slightly anew: −0.2% in volume* after +0.8% in August. In particular, consumption of energy fell back and purchases of engineered goods slowed down markedly. Over the third quarter, household consumption expenditure on goods decreased by 0.5% (after +0.1%), with a sharp downturn in household durables and gas-electricity expenses.

In September, consumption of energy declined anew (−1.7%), after two months of growth. The donwturn in consumption of refined products contributed the most to this fall (−3.0%), but expenses on gas-electricity also stepped back (−0.7%). Over the whole quarter, consumption of energy retreated clearly (−1.9% after +1.4%), particularly in gas-electricity, as temperatures returned to the norm after a relatively cool spring.

In September, purchases of engineered goods were stable after a rebound in August. Over the third quarter, they decreased (−1.1% after +0.2%).

In September, expenditure on durables slowed down (+0.5% after +1.5% in August); in particular, car purchases came to a standstill (−0.1% after +3.0%). However, expenses on watch-jewellery bounced back strongly. Over the third quarter, purchases of durables decreased clearly (−2.4% after +0.7%). In particular, purchases of household durables fell after two very dynamic quarters.

In September, expenses on textile-clothing fell back (−0.5%), notably the purchases of shoes which dropped strongly. Over the whole quarter, these expenses decreased moderately again (−0.3% after −0.6%).

In September, household expenditure on other engineered goods decreased (−0.4%) after two months of [rise]. Over the third quarter, they grew by 0.6% (after 0.0%).

In September, consumption of food products increased modestly (+0.2% after 0.0%). Purchases of agricultural products increased while those of processed agrifood decreased slightly. Over the whole quarter, consumption of food products picked up: +0.9% after −0.6%.

The variation in household expenditure on goods in August 2016 has been revised upwards by 0.1 points: it now stands at +0.8% instead of +0.7%. Since the previous publication, new information has been integrated, particularly concerning household durables, energy and textile-clothing, moreover, the seasonal adjustment coefficients have been updated.