In July 2008, compared with June 2008, the volume of retail trade fell by 0.4% in the euro area (EA15), but rose by 0.1% in the EU272. In June retail trade dropped by 0.9% and 1.2% respectively.

In July 20084, compared with July 2007, the retail sales index decreased by 2.8% in the euro area and by 1.1% in the EU27.

Monthly changes – In July 2008, compared with June 2008, “food, drinks and tobacco” decreased by 0.9% in the euro area and by 0.1% in the EU27. The non food sector fell by 0.1% in the euro area, but rose by 0.3% in the EU27.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade rose in eight, fell in nine and remained unchanged in the United Kingdom. The highest increases were observed in Portugal (+3.5%) and Lithuania (+3.2%), and the largest decreases in Luxembourg (-3.7%) and Germany (-1.5%).

Annual changes – In July 2008, compared with July 2007, retail trade of “food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 3.4% in the euro area and by 2.0% in the EU27. The non food sector declined by 2.2% and 0.2% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade rose in eleven Member States and fell in seven. The highest increases were observed in Romania (+18.4%), Slovakia (+6.8%) and Poland (+6.6%), and the largest decreases in Latvia (-8.5%), Luxembourg and Spain (both -5.9%).

These first estimates come from Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities.

Note: This press release contained no data specifically for Malta.

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