In April 2011, compared with March 2011, the volume of retail trade rose by 0.9% in the euro area (EA17) and by 1.1% in the EU27. In March retail trade fell by 0.9% and 0.8% respectively.

In April 20114, compared with April 2010, the retail sales index increased by 1.1% in the euro area and by 1.9% in the EU27.

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

Monthly changes

In April 2011, compared with March 2011, “Food, drinks and tobacco” rose by 0.7% in the euro area and by 1.6% in the EU27. The non food sector increased by 0.8% and 1.3% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade increased in fifteen, declined in five and remained stable in Lithuania. The highest increases were observed in Denmark (+4.3%), Estonia (+3.3%), Portugal (+2.9%) and Luxembourg (+2.5%), and the largest decreases in Malta (-2.8%), Romania (-1.8%) and Latvia (-1.0%).

Annual changes

In April 2011, compared with April 2010, “Food, drinks and tobacco” rose by 1.2% in the euro area and by 1.8% in the EU27. The non food sector increased by 1.8% and 2.7% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade rose in thirteen and decreased in eight. The highest increases were observed in Estonia (+9.5%), Luxembourg (+9.4%) and Lithuania (+7.3%), and the largest decreases in Malta (-8.0%), Romania (-6.3%) and Portugal (-4.0%).