In May 2013 compared with April 2013, the volume of retail trade rose by 1.0% in the euro area (EA17) and by 1.2% in the EU27, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In April retail trade decreased by 0.2% and 0.5% respectively. In May 2013, compared with May 2012, the retail sales index dropped by 0.1% in the euro area, while it rose by 0.5% in the EU27.

Monthly comparison

In May 2013, compared with April 2013, “Food, drinks and tobacco” increased by 0.9% in the euro area and by 1.5% in the EU27. The non-food sector rose by 0.9% and 1.0% respectively.

Total retail trade rose in all Member States for which data are available, except Romania (-3.0%), Hungary (-0.4%) and Bulgaria (-0.3%). The highest increases were registered in Finland (+3.6%), the United Kingdom (+2.8%), Latvia (+2.6%), Estonia and Ireland (both +2.4%).

Annual comparison

In May 2013, compared with May 2012, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 1.5% in the euro area and by 1.2% in the EU27. The non-food sector rose by 0.8% and 1.8% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in seven and rose in fourteen. The largest decreases were observed in Spain (-6.3%), Romania (-4.4%) and Portugal (-3.6%), and the highest increases in Latvia (+8.0%), Lithuania (+5.8%), Estonia (+5.1%) and Belgium (+4.5%).