Analytics, EU – Baltic States, Retail, Statistics

In July 2018 compared with July 2017, the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 1.1% in the euro area and by 2.0% in the EU28.

Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State

The 0.2% decrease in volume of retail trade in the euro area in July 2018, compared with June 2018, is due to a fall of 0.7% for automotive fuel and of 0.6% for "food, drinks and tobacco", while non-food products rose by 0.4%. In the EU28, the unchanged volume of retail trade is due to an increase in non-food products by 0.5%, while automotive fuels fell by 0.9% and "food, drinks and tobacco" by 0.3%.

Among Member States for which data are available, the largest decreases in the total retail trade volume were observed in Belgium (-2.1%), Portugal and Sweden (both -1.0%). The highest increase was registered in Slovakia and Estonia (both +1.1%) as well as the United Kingdom (+0.8%).

Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State

The 1.1% increase in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in July 2018, compared with July 2017, is due to rises of 1.4% for "food, drinks and tobacco", by 1.3% for automotive fuels, and by 0.9% for non-food products. In the EU28, the 2.0% increase in retail trade volume is due to increases of 2.1% for automotive fuel, 1.9% for non-food products, and by 1.8% 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 Poland (+7.7%), Lithuania (+7.2%) and Ireland (+6.6%). The largest decreases were observed in Malta (-2.6%), Sweden (-1.1%), and Austria (-1.0%).