In February 2024, compared with January 2024, the seasonally adjusted retail trade volume decreased by 0.5per cent in the euro area and by 0.4per cent in the EU, according to first estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

In January 2024, retail trade volume remained unchanged in the euro area and grew by 0.2per cent in the EU.

In February 2024 compared with February 2023, the calendar adjusted retail sales index decreased by 0.7per cent the euro area and by 0.2per cent in the EU.

Monthly comparison

In the euro area in February 2024, compared with January 2024, the volume of retail trade decreased for food, drinks, tobacco by 0.4per cent, non-food products (except automotive fuel) by 0.2per cent and automotive fuel in specialised stores by 1.4per cent.

In the EU, the volume of retail trade decreased for food, drinks, tobacco by 0.5per cent, non-food products (except automotive fuel) by 0.1per cent and automotive fuel in specialised stores by 0.9per cent.

Among Member States for which data are available, the largest monthly decreases in the total retail trade volume were recorded in Germany (-1.9per cent), Belgium (-1.8per cent) and Cyprus (-1.1per cent).

The highest increases were observed in Poland (+1.4per cent), Croatia (+1.2per cent) and Estonia (+1.0per cent).

Annual comparison

In the euro area in February 2024, compared with February 2023, the volume of retail trade decreased for food, drinks, tobacco by 1.4per cent, non-food products (except automotive fuel) by 0.1per cent and automotive fuel in specialised stores by 1.1per cent.

In the EU, the volume of retail trade decreased for food, drinks, tobacco by 0.9per cent, non-food products (except automotive fuel) by 0.6per cent and for automotive fuel in specialised stores by 1.5per cent.

Among Member States for which data are available, the largest annual decreases in the total retail trade volume were recorded in Belgium (-6.8per cent), Slovenia (-5.6per cent) and Finland (-3.7per cent).

The highest increases were observed in Croatia (+9.2per cent), Romania (+8.7per cent) and Luxembourg (+6.9per cent).