According to the report from National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee), in April 2019, household expenditure on goods increased by 0.8% in volume, after two consecutive months of decline (−0.3% in March and −0.5% in February). Economists had expected a 0.4% increase. Last increase was driven by a rebound in energy consumption (+4.0%) and, to a lesser extent, food consumption (+0.8%). Purchases of manufactured goods fell slightly (−0.4%) for the first time this year.

In April, energy consumption rebounded after two consecutive months of decline. Gas and electricity consumption was on the rise, due in particular to a return to seasonal temperatures in April, after relatively mild ones in February and March. Expenditure on refined products also increased (+1.3%), particularly on diesel.

Food consumption increased (+0.8%), after three consecutive months of decline.

Spending on manufactured goods fell slightly (−0.4%) for the first time this year. In particular, purchases of textile-clothing fell (−1.5%).

Consumption of durable goods was stable in April (+0.0%): the increase in housing equipement purchases (+0.5%) was offset by a decline in transport equipment consumption (−0.4%).