In April 2013, compared with March 2013, the volume of retail trade fell by 0.5% in the euro area (EA17) and by 0.7% in the EU27, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In March retail trade decreased by 0.2% and 0.1% respectively.

In April 2013, compared with April 2012, the retail sales index dropped by 1.1% in the euro area and by 0.6% in the EU27.

Monthly comparison

In April 2013, compared with March 2013, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 2.0% in the euro area and by 2.3% in the EU27. The non-food sector rose by 0.6% and 0.3% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in thirteen and rose in eight. The largest decreases were registered in Finland (-3.6%), Latvia and the United Kingdom (both -2.0%), and the highest increases in Hungary (+5.2%), Romania (+1.9%) and Malta (+1.6%).

Annual comparison

In April 2013, compared with April 2012, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 1.9% in the euro area and by 2.2% in the EU27. The non-food sector dropped by 0.3% in the euro area and rose by 0.6% in the EU27.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in nine and rose in twelve. The largest decreases were observed in Spain (-6.5%), Slovenia (-4.9%) and Malta (-4.3%), and the highest increases in Latvia (+6.2%), Lithuania and Hungary (both +3.3%).