In May 2010, compared with April 2010, the volume of retail trade increased by 0.2% in the euro area (EA16) and by 0.4% in the EU27. In April retail trade fell by 0.9% and 1.0% respectively.

In May 2010, compared with May 2009, the retail sales index rose by 0.3% in the euro area and by 0.5% in the EU27.

Monthly changes

In May 2010, compared with April 2010, “Food, drinks and tobacco” rose by 0.2% in the euro area and by 0.3% in the EU27. The non food sector increased by 0.4% and 0.5% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade increased in thirteen and declined in six. The highest increases were observed in Denmark (+3.8%), Poland (+3.5%) and Estonia (+1.7%), and the largest decreases in Malta (-3.8%) and Portugal (-0.8%).

Annual changes

In May 2010, compared with May 2009, “Food, drinks and tobacco” rose by 0.3% in the euro area, but declined by 0.2% in the EU27. The non food sector rose by 1.0% and 1.9% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade rose in seven, decreased in eleven and remained stable in Slovenia. The highest increases were observed in France (+4.4%), Sweden and the United Kingdom (both +2.3%).The largest decreases were observed in Lithuania (-10.7%), Bulgaria (-8.7%) and Latvia (-8.4%). Malta stood at 1.0%.

These first estimates came from Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Union.

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