In May 2022, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade increased by 0.2% in the euro area and remained unchanged in the EU, compared with April 2022, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In April 2022, the retail trade volume decreased by 1.4% in the euro area and by 1.3% in the EU.

In May 2022 compared with May 2021, the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 0.2% in the euro area and by 0.8% in the EU, Eurostat reports.

Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State

In the euro area in May 2022, compared with April 2022, the volume of retail trade increased by 1.2% for non-food products, while it decreased by 0.2% for automotive fuels and by 0.3% for food, drinks and tobacco.

In the EU, the volume of retail trade increased by 1.0% for non-food products, while it decreased by 0.4% for automotive fuels and by 0.6% for food, drinks and tobacco.

Among Member States for which data are available, the highest monthly increases in the total retail trade volume were registered in Cyprus (+9.0%), Croatia (+1.7%) and Portugal (+1.5%). The largest decreases were observed in Ireland (-6.5%), Finland (-2.8%) and Austria (-2.2%).

Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State

In the euro area in May 2022, compared with May 2021, the volume of retail trade increased by 5.6% for
automotive fuels and by 2.0% for non-food products, while it fell by 3.6% for food, drinks and tobacco.

In the EU, the retail trade volume increased by 6.8% for automotive fuels and by 2.0% for non-food products, while it fell by 2.6% 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 (+25.0%), Poland (+11.2%) and Hungary (+11.1%). The largest decreases were observed in Austria (-6.4%), Denmark (-5.6%), as well as Luxembourg and Finland (both -5.2%).