In July 2010, compared with June 2010, the volume of retail trade increased by 0.1% in both the euro area (EA16) and the EU27. In June retail trade rose by 0.2% and 0.3% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade increased in nine and declined in ten. The highest increases were observed in Portugal (+3.0%), Malta (+2.9%) and France (+2.2%), and the largest decreases in Romania (-10.5%), Spain (-3.0%) and Lithuania (-1.4%).

In July 20104, compared with July 2009, the retail sales index rose by 1.1% in the euro area and by 1.0% in the EU27.

Monthly changes

In July 2010, compared with June 2010, “Food, drinks and tobacco” grew by 0.3% in the euro area and by 0.1% in the EU27. The non food sector decreased by 0.1% in the euro area, but rose by 0.2% in the EU27.

Annual changes

In July 2010, compared with July 2009, “Food, drinks and tobacco” grew by 1.4% in the euro area and by 0.5% in the EU27. The non food sector increased by 1.8% and 2.5% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data was available, total retail trade rose in eleven and decreased in eight. The highest increases were observed in France (+6.1%), Poland (+5.2%) and Finland (+4.5%). The largest decreases were observed in Lithuania (-8.8%), Romania (-8.0%) and Bulgaria (-4.8%).

These first estimates came from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

Permalink: Malta has 2nd highest increase in retail trade in EU