In January 2014 compared with December 2013, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade rose by 1.6% in the euro area (EA18) and by 0.9% in the EU28, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In December 2013 retail trade fell by 1.3% and 0.7% respectively.

In January 2014 compared with January 2013 retail trade increased by 1.3% in the euro area and by 1.9% in the EU28.

Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State

The 1.6% increase in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in January 2014, compared with December 2013, is due to rises of 1.9% for the non-food sector, of 1.5% for automotive fuel and of 1.1% for “Food, drinks and tobacco”. In the EU28, the 0.9% increase in retail trade is due to rises of 1.4% for automotive fuel, of 1.3% for the non-food sector and of 0.3% for “Food, drinks and tobacco”.

The highest increases in total retail trade were registered in Portugal (+6.7%), Estonia (+4.6%), Germany (+2.5%), Romania and Slovenia (both +2.4%). Decreases were observed in the United Kingdom (-1.5%), Ireland and Malta (both -1.0%), Denmark (-0.9%) and Latvia (-0.6%).

Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State

The 1.3% increase in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in January 2014, compared with January 2013, is due to rises of 2.9% for automotive fuel and of 2.5% for the non-food sector, while “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 0.4%. In the EU28, the 0.9% increase in retail trade is due to rises of 3.6% for the non-food sector, of 2.1% for automotive fuel and of 0.1% for “Food, drinks and tobacco”.

The highest increases in total retail trade were observed in Luxembourg (+12.2%), Estonia (+8.0%), Portugal (+6.6%), Romania (+5.9%) and Bulgaria (+5.5%). Decreases were registered in Denmark and Malta (both -0.7%), while retail trade remained stable in Finland.