In April 2012 compared with March 2012, the volume of retail trade fell by 1.0% in the euro area (EA17) and by 1.1% in the EU27. In March retail trade rose by 0.3% and 0.8% respectively. In April 2012, compared with April 2011, the retail sales index fell by 2.5% in the euro area and by 1.9% in the EU27.

Monthly comparison

In April 2012, compared with March 2012, “Food, drinks and tobacco” rose by 0.3% in the euro area and fell by 0.1% in the EU27. The non food sector decreased by 1.4% and 1.2% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in eighteen, remained stable in Bulgaria and grew only in Romania (+0.8%) and Germany (+0.6%). The largest decreases were observed in Austria (-3.5%), Slovenia (-2.9%) and Finland (-2.7%).

Annual comparison

In April 2012, compared with April 2011, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 2.3% in the euro area and by 2.4% in the EU27. The non food sector decreased by 2.1% and 0.7% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in twelve and rose in nine. The largest decreases were observed in Spain (-9.6%), Portugal (-9.3%) and Malta (-4.6%), and the highest increases in Estonia (+8.5%), Latvia (+7.8%) and Romania (+3.4%).