Eurostat, published its figures for the volume of retail trade in the EU and in the euro area. According to such data, in April 2012 it decreased by 1.1% in the European Union compared with March of the same year. It also fell by 1,0% in the euro area for the same period.

According to Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, in April 2012 compared with March 2012, the volume of retail trade fell by 1.0% in the euro area and by 1.1% in the EU. Moreover, in April 2012, compared with April 2011, the retail sales index fell by 2.5% in the euro area and by 1.9% in the EU. The EU retail trade index decreased in February 2012 compared with January 2012.

With regard to the data registered by Member States, total retail trade fell in eighteen, remained stable in Bulgaria and grew only in Romania (+0.8%) and Germany (+0.6%). The largest decreases were observed in Austria (-3.5%), Slovenia (-2.9%) and Finland (-2.7%). In April 2012 compared with the same month one year before, total retail trade fell in twelve and rose in nine. The largest decreases were observed in Spain (-9.6%), Portugal (-9.3%) and Malta (-4.6%), and the highest increases in Estonia (+8.5%), Latvia (+7.8%) and Romania (+3.4%).

On the other hand, in April 2012 compared with March 2012, “Food, drinks and tobacco” rose by 0.3% in the euro area and fell by 0.1% in the EU. The non food sector decreased by 1.4% and 1.2% respectively. Compared with April 2011, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 2.3% in the euro area and by 2.4% in the EU. The non food sector decreased by 2.1% and 0.7% respectively.