In August 2021, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade rose by 0.3% in both the euro area and in the EU, compared with July 2021, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In July 2021, the retail trade volume decreased by 2.6% in the euro area and by 2.1% in the EU.
In August 2021 compared with August 2020, the calendar adjusted volume of retail trade remained stable in the euro area and increased by 1.1% in the EU.
Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State
In the euro area in August 2021, compared with July 2021, the volume of retail trade increased by 1.8% for nonfood products, while it fell by 0.1% for automotive fuels and by 1.7% for food, drinks and tobacco.
In the EU, the volume of retail trade increased by 1.8% for non-food products, while it fell by 0.3% for automotive fuels and by 1.5% for food, drinks and tobacco.
Among Member States for which data are available, the highest monthly increases in total retail trade were registered in Malta (+2.7%), Ireland (+2.5%) and Slovakia (+2.0%). The largest decreases were observed in Denmark (-1.4%), Estonia and France (both -1.2%).
Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State
In the euro area in August 2021, compared with August 2020, the volume of retail trade increased by 1.3% for nonfood products and by 1.2% for automotive fuels, while it fell by 1.9% for food, drinks and tobacco.
In the EU, the volume of retail trade increased by 3.0% for non-food products and by 2.1% for automotive fuels, while it fell by 1.5% for food, drinks and tobacco.
Among Member States for which data are available, the highest annual increases in total retail trade were registered in Malta (+19.6%), Croatia (+18.1%) and Slovenia (+12.3%). The largest decreases were registered in Belgium (-4.9%), France (-2.1%), Spain and Luxembourg (both -1.3%).
