In January 2013 compared with December 2012, the volume of retail trade rose by 1.2% in the euro area (EA17) and by 0.9% in the EU27, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In December 2012 retail trade fell by 0.8% and 0.7% respectively.

In January 20134 compared with January 2012, the retail sales index dropped by 1.3% in the euro area and by 0.9% in the EU27.

Monthly comparison

In January 2013, compared with December 2012, “Food, drinks and tobacco” rose by 0.8% in the euro area and by 0.2% in the EU27. The non-food sector increased by 2.0% and 1.7% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade rose in thirteen and fell in six. The highest increases were registered in Portugal and Romania (both +4.2%), Belgium and Germany (both +3.1%), and the largest decreases in Denmark (-2.0%), Malta (-1.6%) and Finland (-1.2%).

Annual comparison

In January 2013, compared with January 2012, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 1.5% in both the euro area and the EU27. The non-food sector dropped by 3.1% and 1.8% respectively.

Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in eight and rose in eleven. The largest decreases were observed in Slovenia (-7.6%), Bulgaria (-5.5%) and Portugal (-3.9%), and the highest increases in Belgium (+8.4%), Luxembourg (+7.1%) and Latvia (+5.2%).