In May 2011, compared with April 2011, the volume of retail trade fell by 1.1% in both the euro area (EA17) and the EU27. In April retail trade rose by 0.7% and by 0.9 respectively.

In May 20114, compared with May 2010, the retail sales index decreased by 1.9% in the euro area and by 1.4% in the EU27.

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

Monthly changes

In May 2011, compared with April 2011, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 0.6% in the euro area and by 1.8% in the EU27. The non food sector decreased by 0.9% and 1.1% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade declined in thirteen and increased in eight. The largest decreases were observed in Denmark (-3.7%), Portugal (-3.1%) and Germany (-2.8%), and the highest increases in Luxembourg (+3.0%), Latvia (+2.0%) and Malta (+1.5%).

Annual changes

In May 2011, compared with May 2010, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 2.1% in the euro area and by 2.4% in the EU27. The non food sector decreased by 1.3% and 0.3% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade decreased in ten and rose in eleven. The largest decreases were observed in Portugal (-8.0%), Spain (-7.7%) and Romania (-6.0%), and the highest increases in Luxembourg (+14.3%), Lithuania (+6.0%) and Belgium (+5.7%).