3 June 2016

In April 2016 compared with March 2016, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade remained stable in the euro area (EA19) and rose by 0.5% in the EU28, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In March the retail trade volume fell by 0.6% in both zones.

In April 2016 compared with April 2015 the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 1.4% in the euro area and by 2.4% in the EU28.

Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State The stable volume of retail trade in the euro area in April 2016, compared with March 2016, is due to a rise of 0.5% for “Food, drinks and tobacco”, while non-food products remained stable and automotive fuel decreased by 0.1%. In the EU28, the 0.5% increase in the volume of retail trade is due to rises of 0.7% for non-food products, of 0.5% for “Food, drinks and tobacco” and of 0.1% for automotive fuel.

Among Member States for which data are available, the highest increases in total retail trade were registered in Denmark (+4.5%), Poland (+3.7%) and Romania (+2.8%), while decreases were observed in Finland (-1.2%), Germany (-0.9%) and Malta (-0.1%).

Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State

The 1.4% increase in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in April 2016, compared with April 2015, is due to rises of 2.2% for automotive fuel, of 1.9% for non-food products and of 0.8% for “Food, drinks and tobacco”. In the EU28, the 2.4% increase in retail trade volume is due to rises of 3.1% for automotive fuel, of 2.9% for non-food products and of 1.9% for “Food, drinks and tobacco”.

Among Member States for which data are available, the highest increases in total retail trade were observed in Romania (+20.1%), Luxembourg (+16.7%) and Poland (+6.6%), while decreases were observed in Belgium (-2.3%) and Germany (-0.6%).