In April 2014 compared with March 2014, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade rose by 0.4% in the euro area (EA18) and by 0.6% in the EU28, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In March retail trade increased by 0.1% in both zones.

In April 2014 compared with April 2013 the retail sales index increased by 2.4% in the euro area and by 3.4% in the EU28.

Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State

The 0.4% increase in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in April 2014, compared with March 2014, is due to a rise of 0.4% for both “Food, drinks and tobacco” and automotive fuel, while the non-food sector fell by 0.1%. In the EU28, the 0.6% increase in retail trade is due to a rise of 1.2% for “Food, drinks and tobacco”, while the non-food sector remained unchanged and automotive fuel fell by 1.0%.

The highest increases in total retail trade were registered in Latvia (+2.5%), the United Kingdom (+2.1%), Estonia, France and Slovenia (all +1.4%). The highest decreases were observed in Romania (-3.2%), Malta (-2.6%), Germany and Portugal (both -0.9%).

Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State

The 2.4% increase in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in April 2014, compared with April 2013, is due to rises of 2.6% for the non-food sector, of 2.1% for “Food, drinks and tobacco” and of 1.4% for automotive fuel. In the EU28, the 3.4% increase in retail trade is due to rises of 4.0% for the non-food sector, of 3.2% for “Food, drinks and tobacco” and of 0.6% for automotive fuel.

The highest increases in total retail trade were observed in Latvia (+10.5%), Estonia (+9.3%), the United Kingdom (+8.4%) and Lithuania (+8.0%). The only decrease was registered in Portugal (-0.4%).