In February 2022, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade increased by 0.3% in both the euro area and the EU, compared with January 2022, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In January 2022, the retail trade volume increased by 0.2% in the euro area and by 0.5% in the EU.

In February 2022 compared with February 2021, the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 5.0% in the euro area and by 5.4% in the EU, Eurostat reports.

Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State

In the euro area in February 2022, compared with January 2022, the volume of retail trade increased by 3.2% for automotive fuels, and by 0.8% for non-food products, while it fell by 0.5% for food, drinks and tobacco.

In the EU, the volume of retail trade increased by 3.9% for automotive fuels, and by 0.4% for non-food products, while it fell by 0.4% 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 Slovenia (+8.0%), the Netherlands (+4.0%) and Portugal (+2.3%). The largest decreases were observed in Belgium (-1.8%), Estonia (-1.7%), and Poland (-1.6%).

Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State

In the euro area in February 2022, compared with February 2021, the volume of retail trade increased by 12.0% for automotive fuels, and by 9.3% for non-food products, while it fell by 2.0% for food, drinks and tobacco.

In the EU, the retail trade volume increased by 12.7% for automotive fuels, and by 9.6% for non-food products, while it fell by 1.5% 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 (+21.7%), Slovakia (+16.5%) and Portugal (+15.9%). The largest decreases were observed in Austria (-5.9%), Belgium (-5.1%), Cyprus and Finland (both -2.0%).