Malta registered the highest decrease in retail trade in the European Union in June, statistics published by Eurostat show.
Maltese had a 1.5% drop when compared to June 2017, with Austria registering a 1.4% decrease and Estonia minus 1.2%.
In June 2018 compared with May 2018, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade increased by 0.3% in the euroarea (EA19) and remained stable in the EU28, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In May, the retail trade volume increased by 0.3%in the euro area and by 0.6% in the EU28.
In June2018 compared with June2017 the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 1.2% in the euro area and by 1.9%in the EU28.
Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State
The 0.3% increase in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in June 2018, compared with May 2018, is due to rises of 0.7% in "food, drinks and tobacco" and of 0.6% in automotive fuels, while non-food products fell by 0.3%.In the EU28, the unchanged volume of retail trade is due to increases of 0.4% in "food, drinks and tobacco" and of 0.1% in automotive fuel, while non-food products fell by 0.4%.
Among Member States for which data are available, the highest increases in the total retail trade volume were registered in Germany (+1.2%), Spain and Poland (both +0.7%). The largest decreases were observed in Sweden and Finland (both -2.1%) as well as Estonia(-1.9%).
Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State
The 1.2% increase in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in June 2018, compared with June 2017, is due to rises of 1.7% for "food, drinks and tobacco" and of 1.3% for non-food products, while automotive fuels fell by 0.6%.In the EU28, the 1.9% increase in retail trade volume is due to increases of2.0% for "food, drinks and tobacco", 1.9% for non-food productsand 1.2% for automotive fuel.
Among Member States for which data are available, the highest yearly increases in the total retail trade volume were registered in Romania (+7.8%), Lithuania (+7.2%), Hungary (+6.1%) and Bulgaria (+6.0%). The largest decreases were observed in Malta (‑1.5%), Austria (-1.4%) and Estonia (-1.2%).