In March 2022, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade decreased by 0.4% in the euro area and by 0.2% in the EU, compared with February 2022, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In February 2022, the retail trade volume increased by 0.4% in the euro area and by 0.3% in the EU.
In March 2022 compared with March 2021, the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 0.8% in the euro area and by 1.7% in the EU, EuroStat reports.
Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State
In the euro area in March 2022, compared with February 2022, the volume of retail trade decreased by 2.9% for automotive fuels, and by 1.2% for non-food products, while it increased by 0.8% for food, drinks and tobacco.
In the EU, the volume of retail trade decreased by 3.0% for automotive fuels, and by 0.7% for non-food products, while it increased by 0.6% for food, drinks and tobacco.
Among Member States for which data are available, the largest monthly decreases in the total retail trade volume were registered in Spain (-4.0%), Luxembourg (-3.3%) and France (-1.9%). The highest increases were observed in Slovenia (+11.4%), Latvia (+11.1%), and Hungary (+7.3%).
Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State
In the euro area in March 2022, compared with March 2021, the volume of retail trade increased by 8.3% for automotive fuels, and by 2.8% for non-food products, while it fell by 2.5% for food, drinks and tobacco.
In the EU, the retail trade volume increased by 8.9% for automotive fuels, and by 4.0% for non-food products, while it fell by 2.1% 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 Slovenia (+25.6%), Estonia (+18.4%) and Malta (+16.4%). The largest decreases were observed in Denmark (-11.0%), Spain (-4.8%), and Belgium (-3.9%).
