The FINANCIAL — In March 2017 compared with February 2017, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade rose by 0.3% in the euro area (EA19), while it fell by 0.2% in the EU28, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.
In February the retail trade volume increased by 0.5% in the euro area and by 0.7% in the EU28.
In March 2017 compared with March 2016 the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 2.3% in the euro area and by 2.5% in the EU28.
Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State
The 0.3% increase in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in March 2017, compared with February 2017, is due to rises of 0.4% for non-food products and of 0.2% for “Food, drinks and tobacco”, while automotive fuel fell by 0.3%. In the EU28, the 0.2% decrease in the volume of retail trade is due to falls of 0.4% for automotive fuel and of 0.3% for non-food products, while “Food, drinks and tobacco” rose by 0.1%.
Among Member States for which data are available, the highest increases in the total retail trade volume were registered in Hungary (+1.8%), Estonia (+1.6%) and Luxembourg (+1.5%), while the largest decreases were observed in Portugal (-2.3%), Slovenia and the United Kingdom (both -2.2%) as well as Finland (-2.1%).
Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State
The 2.3% increase in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in March 2017, compared with March 2016, is due to rises of 3.1% for non-food products and of 1.6% for “Food, drinks and tobacco”, while automotive fuel remained stable. In the EU28, the 2.5% increase in retail trade volume is due to rises of 3.7% for non-food products, of 1.2% for “Food, drinks and tobacco” and of 0.4% for automotive fuel.
Among Member States for which data are available, the highest increases in the total retail trade volume were observed in Slovenia (+10.4%), Romania (+9.1%) and Luxembourg (+7.8%).
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