Malta registers third highest increase in retail volume

In October, compared with September, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade decreased by 0.6% in the euro area and by 0.4% in the EU28, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In September, the retail trade volume decreased by 0.2% in the euro area and by 0.1% in the EU28.

In October, compared with October 2018, the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 1.4% in the euro area and by 1.9% in the EU28.

In the euro area in October, compared with September 2019, the volume of retail trade decreased by 1.1% for non-food products, while food, drinks and tobacco increased by 0.3% and automotive fuels by 0.6%. In the EU28, the volume of retail trade decreased by 0.8% for non-food products while food, drinks and tobacco increased by 0.2% and automotive fuels by 0.6%.

Among member states for which data are available, the largest decreases in the total retail trade volume were registered in Germany and Ireland (both -1.9%) and Finland (-1.2%). The highest increases were observed in Portugal (+2.1%), Poland (+0.9%), Belgium and Romania (both +0.8%).

In the euro area in October, compared with October 2018, the volume of retail trade increased by 2.3% for non-food products, by 1.4% for automotive fuel and by 0.3% for food, drinks and tobacco. In the EU28, the retail trade volume increased by 2.8% for non-food products, by 2% for automotive fuel and by 0.9% for food, drinks and tobacco.

Among member states for which data are available, the highest yearly increases in the total retail trade volume were registered in Romania (+6.9%), Hungary (+6.2%) and Malta (+5.1%). Decreases were observed in Slovenia (-5.4%), Slovakia (-3.3%) and Latvia (-0.4%).