Volume of retail trade unchanged in euro area (Eurostat)

In September 2018 compared with August 2018, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade remained unchanged in the euro area (EA19) and decreased by 0.1% in the EU28, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In August, the retail trade volume increased by 0.3% both in the euro area and in the EU28.

In September 2018 compared with September 2017, the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 0.8% in the euro area and by 1.5% in the EU28.

Monthly comparison by retail sector

In the euro area in September 2018, compared with August 2018, the volume of retail trade increased by 0.4% for food, drinks and tobacco as well as for automotive fuel, while non-food products decreased by 0.5%. In the EU28, the retail trade volume increased by 0.8% for automotive fuels and by 0.1% for foods, drinks and tobacco non-food products, while non-food products fell by 0.3%.

Among Member States for which data are available, the largest increases in the total retail trade volume were registered in Ireland (+2.9%), Latvia (+1.5%) and Estonia (+1.4%). The highest decreases were observed in Portugal (-1.7%), Austria (-1.0%), as well as in Belgium and the United Kingdom (both -0.8%).

Annual comparison by Member State

In the euro area in September 2018, compared with September 2017, the volume of retail trade increased by 1.1% for automotive fuels, by 0.9% for food, drinks and tobacco, and by 0.7% for non-food products.

In the EU28, the retail trade volume increased by 2.0% for non-food products, by 1.9% for automotive fuel and by 1.0% for food, drinks and tobacco.

Among Member States for which data are available, the highest yearly increases in the total retail trade volume were registered in Ireland (+10.2%), Lithuania (+7.9%) and Poland (+6.5%). The largest decreases were observed in Belgium (-2.2%), Spain and Austria (both -1.5%).

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