April 13, 2021

The seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade rose by 3.0% in the euro area and by 2.9% in the EU during February 2021, compared with January 2021, according to Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Union. It was noted that, “in January 2021, the retail trade volume fell by 5.2% in the euro area and by 4.6% in the EU.”

In comparison to February 2020, January 2021’s calendar adjusted retail sales index declined by 2.9% in the euro area and by 2.2% in EU.

Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State

In comparison to January 2021, the volume of retail trade declined in the euro area February 2021 by 6.8% for non-food products and by 3.7% for automotive fuels, while it decreased by 1.1% for food, drinks and tobacco. In the EU, the volume of retail trade rose by 6.2% for non-food products and by 2.4% for automotive fuels, while it declined by 0.8% for food, drinks and tobacco, as indicated by the Eurostat.

Furthermore, among the member states, Eurostat noted, “the highest increases in total retail trade were registered in Austria (+28.2%), Slovenia (+16.4%) and Italy (+8.4%). The largest decreases were observed in Malta (-1.5%), France and Hungary (both -1.2%).”

Annual comparison by Retail Sector and by Member State

According to Eurostat, “in the euro area in February 2021, compared with February 2020, the volume of retail trade decreased by 13.0% for automotive fuels and by 5.5% for non-food products (within this category mail orders and internet increased by 37.3%), while it increased by 1.9% for food, drinks and tobacco” Furthermore, in the EU, the volume of retail trade declined by 11.9% for automotive fuels and by 4.0% for non-food products (mail orders and internet increased by 37.9%), while it rose by 1.8% for food, drinks and tobacco.

Among the Member States for which data are available, the highest decreases in the total amount of retail tail trade were reported in n Portugal (-15.4%), Slovakia (-14.7%) and Malta (-8.9%). The highest increases were observed in Belgium (+11.0%), Austria (+5.2%) and Croatia (+5.1%).

Disclaimer:

Analyst Certification -The views expressed in this research report accurately reflect the personal views of Mayberry Investments Limited Research Department about those issuer (s) or securities as at the date of this report. Each research analyst (s) also certify that no part of their compensation was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly, related to the specific recommendation (s) or view (s) expressed by that research analyst in this research report.

Company Disclosure -The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, however its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. You are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. Mayberry may effect transactions or have positions in securities mentioned herein. In addition, employees of Mayberry may have positions and effect transactions in the securities mentioned herein.