Volume of retail trade down by 1.2% in the euro area and by 1.1% in the EU in March 2023

May 9, 2023

In March 2023, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade decreased by 1.2% in the euro area and by 1.1% in the EU, compared with February 2023, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In February 2023, the retail trade volume decreased by 0.2% in the euro area and by 0.3% in the EU.

In March 2023 compared with March 2022, the calendar adjusted retail sales index decreased by 3.8% in the euro area and by 4.1% in the EU.

Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State

In the euro area in March 2023, compared with February 2023, the volume of retail trade decreased by 1.4% for food, drinks and tobacco and by 1.1% for non-food products, while it increased by 1.6% for automotive fuels. In the EU, the volume of retail trade decreased by 1.2% for food, drinks and tobacco and by 1.1% for non-food products, while it increased by 1.0% for automotive fuels.

Among Member States for which data are available, the largest monthly decreases in the total retail trade volume were registered in Latvia (-2.7%), Germany and Poland (both -2.4%) and Luxembourg (-1.9%). The highest increases were observed in Romania (+2.9%), Portugal (+2.3%) and Ireland (+1.0%).

Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State

In the euro area in March 2023, compared with March 2022, the volume of retail trade decreased by 6.8% for food, drinks and tobacco and by 2.2% for non-food products, while it grew by 3.5% for automotive fuels. In the EU, the retail trade volume decreased by 6.6% for food, drinks and tobacco and by 3.2% for non-food products, while it grew by 2.8% for automotive fuels.

Among Member States for which data are available, the largest yearly decreases in the total retail trade volume were registered in Estonia (-13.5%), Hungary (-13.2%) and Slovenia (-12.8%). The highest increases were observed in Spain (+10.8%), Romania (+7.2%) and Cyprus (+5.6%).

Source: Eurostat
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