In September 2021, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade decreased by 0.3% in the euro area and by 0.2% in the EU, compared with August 2021, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In August 2021, the retail trade volume increased by 1.0% in the euro area and by 0.8% in the EU.
In September 2021 compared with September 2020, the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 2.5% in the euro area and by 3.2% in the EU.
Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State
In the euro area in September 2021, compared with August 2021, the volume of retail trade decreased by 1.5% for non-food products, while it rose for food, drinks and tobacco by 0.7% and for automotive fuels by 1.1%.
In the EU, the volume of retail trade decreased by 1.3% for non-food products, while it rose for food, drinks and tobacco by 0.8% and for automotive fuels by 1.0%.
Among Member States for which data are available, the largest monthly decreases in the total retail trade volume were registered in Germany (-2.5%), Finland (-1.9%) and the Netherlands (-1.2%). The highest increases were observed in Estonia (+7.1%), Slovakia (+2.9%) and Luxembourg (+2.3%).
Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State
In the euro area in September 2021, compared with September 2020, the volume of retail trade increased by 4.4% for automotive fuel, by 3.7% for non-food products and by 0.5% for food, drinks and tobacco.
In the EU, the retail trade volume increased by 4.8% for non-food products and for automotive fuel and by 0.8% 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 (+17.1%), Estonia (+16.8%) and Malta (+15.0%). Decreases were observed in Germany (-1.1%), Austria (-0.3%) and Spain (-0.1%).
