In August 2023, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade decreased by 1.2% in the euro area and by 0.9% in the EU, compared with July 2023, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In July 2023, the retail trade volume decreased by 0.1% both in the euro area and in the EU.
In August 2023 compared with August 2022, the calendar adjusted retail sales index decreased by 2.1% in the euro area and by 2.0% in the EU.
Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State
In the euro area in August 2023, compared with July 2023, the volume of retail trade decreased by 3.0% for automotive fuels, by 1.2% for food, drinks and tobacco and by 0.9% for non-food products.
In the EU, the volume of retail trade decreased by 2.4% for automotive fuels, by 0.9% for food, drinks and tobacco and by 0.6% for non-food products.
Among Member States for which data are available, the largest monthly decreases in the total retail trade volume were registered in the Portugal (-3.0%), France (-2.8%) and Belgium (-1.5%). The highest increases were observed in Luxembourg (+1.9%), Poland (+1.7%) and Denmark (+1.6%).
Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State
In the euro area in August 2023, compared with August 2022, the volume of retail trade decreased by 7.7% for automotive fuels, by 3.2% for food, drinks and tobacco and by 0.2% for non-food products.
In the EU, the retail trade volume decreased by 7.4% for automotive fuels, by 3.0% for food, drinks and tobacco and by 0.1% for non-food products.
Among Member States for which data are available, the largest yearly decreases in the total retail trade volume were registered in Slovenia (-21.5%), Belgium (-8.5%) and Estonia (-7.9%). The highest increases were observed in Luxembourg (+8.7%), Spain (+8.1%) and Cyprus (+5.9%).
