March 6, 2018

The volume of retail trade decreased by 0.1% in both the euro area (EA19) and in the (EU28) in January 2018 versus December 2017, according to a recent  estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. Retail trade volume in December 2017 slid by 1% and 0.39% in the euro area and the EU28 respectively.

The calendar adjusted retail sales index for January 2018 relative to January 2017, increased by 2.3% in the euro area and by 2.7% in the EU28.

Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State

The 0.1% decrease in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in January 2018, compared with December 2017, is due to falls of 0.3% for non-food products and of 0.2% for “Food, drinks and tobacco”, while automotive fuel rose by 0.1%. In the EU28, the 0.1% decrease in the volume of retail trade is due to falls of 0.3% for “Food, drinks and tobacco” and of 0.2% for non-food products, while automotive fuel rose by 0.3%.

Among Member States for which data are available, the largest decreases in the total retail trade volume were registered in Estonia (-2.4), Belgium (-1.6%) and Malta (-1.4%), while the highest increases were observed in Latvia (+2.1%), Finland (+1.3%), Hungary (+1.1%) and Austria (+0.7%).

Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State

The 2.3% increase in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in January 2018, compared with January 2017, is due to rises of 3.8% for non-food products, of 0.8% for “Food, drinks and tobacco” and of 0.2% for automotive fuel. In the EU28, the 2.7% increase in retail trade volume is due to rises of 4.2% for non-food products, of 1.7% for automotive fuel and of 0.6% for “Food, drinks and tobacco”.

Among Member States for which data are available, the highest increases in the total retail trade volume were registered in Romania (+11.0%), Hungary (+7.5%), Latvia (+7.2%) and France (+6.3%), while decreases were observed in Estonia (-0.9%) and Belgium (-0.2%).

                           Source: eurostat