In August 2007, compared to July 2007, the volume of retail trade grew by 0.1% in the euro area (EA13) and by 0.3% in the EU27. In July retail trade increased by 0.4% and 0.3% respectively.

In August 2007, compared with August 2006, the retail sales index gained 1.0% in the euro area and 2.6% in the EU27.

Monthly changes

In August 2007, compared with July 2007, “food, drinks and tobacco” rose by 0.2% in the euro area and by 0.8% in the EU27. The non food sector fell by 0.1% in the euro area, but remained unchanged in the EU27.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade rose in eleven Member States and fell in six. The largest increases were observed in Lithuania (+3.5%), Belgium (+3.1%) and Austria (+2.5%) and the highest decreases in Luxembourg (-2.0%), Denmark (-1.5%) and Germany (-1.4%).

Annual changes

In August 2007, compared to August 2006, retail trade of “food, drinks and tobacco” rose by 0.7% in the euro area and by 1.5% in the EU27. The non food sector increased by 1.0% and by 3.3% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade rose in sixteen Member States and fell only in Germa