In July 2007, compared with June 2007, the volume of retail trade grew by 0.1% in both the euro area (EA13) and the EU27. In June retail trade increased by 0.6% in both zones.

In July 20074, compared with July 2006, the retail sales index gained 0.5% in the euro area and 2.2% in the EU27.

Monthly changes

In July 2007, compared with June 2007, “food, drinks and tobacco” rose by 0.2% in the euro area, but fell by 0.2% in the EU27. The non food sector decreased by 0.1% in the euro area, but increased by 0.2% in the EU27.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade increased in six Member States, fell in ten and remained unchanged in Spain. The largest increases were observed in Denmark, Latvia, Sweden and the United Kingdom (all +0.8%), and the highest decreases in Belgium (-3.5%), Lithuania (-2.8%) and Austria
(-1.6%).

Annual changes

In July 2007, compared to July 2006, retail trade of “food, drinks and tobacco” decreased by 1.7% in the euro area and by 1.1% in the EU27. The non food sector increased by 2.0% and 4.6% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade rose in thirteen Member States and fell in four. The largest increases were observed in Latvia (+24.0%), Poland (+12.5%) and Lithuania (+10.8%), and the highest decreases in Belgium (-5.2%) and Germany (-1.6%).