EU statistics show Malta amongst group with highest retail trade increase

In July 2015 compared with June 2015, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade rose by 0.4% in the euro area (EA19) and by 0.3% in the EU28, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In June retail trade fell by 0.2% and 0.1% respectively.

In July 2015 compared with July 2014 the retail sales index increased by 2.7% in the euro area and by 3.3% in the EU28.

Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State

The 0.4% increase in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in July 2015, compared with June 2015, is due to rises of 0.8% for automotive fuel, of 0.2% for “Food, drinks and tobacco” and of 0.1% for non-food products. In the EU28, the 0.3% increase in retail trade volume is due to rises of 0.6% for automotive fuel, of 0.2% for non-food products and of 0.1% for “Food, drinks and tobacco”.

Among Member States for which data are available, the highest increases in total retail trade were registered in Estonia (+2.5%), Germany (+1.4%), Malta, Portugal and Romania (all +1.1%), and the largest decreases in Luxembourg (-1.2%), Poland (-1.1%) and Austria (-0.9%).

Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State

The 2.7% increase in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in July 2015, compared with July 2014, is due to rises of 3.1% for non-food products, of 1.9% for “Food, drinks and tobacco” and of 1.6% for automotive fuel. In the EU28, the 3.3% increase in retail trade volume is due to rises of 4.1% for non-food products, of 2.1% for “Food, drinks and tobacco” and of 1.5% for automotive fuel.

Among Member States for which data are available, the highest increases in total retail trade were observed in Romania (+9.6%), Estonia (+7.8%), Hungary (+7.0%) and Ireland (+6.4%), while decreases were observed in Luxembourg (-10.5%) and Finland (-0.3%).