Volume of retail trade up by 0.1% in both the euro area and the EU

In August 2026, compared with July 2026, the seasonally adjusted retail trade volume increased by 0.1% in both the euro area and the EU, according to first estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In July 2026, retail trade volume fell by 0.6% in the euro area and by 0.5% in the EU.

In August 2026, compared with August 2025, the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 0.8% in the euro area and by 1.2% in the EU.

Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State

In the euro area in August 2026, compared with July 2026, the volume of retail trade

increased for food, drinks, tobacco by 0.1%,

increased for non-food products (except automotive fuel) by 0.5%,

decreased for automotive fuel in specialised stores by 1.9%.

increased for food, drinks, tobacco by 0.3%,

increased for non-food products (except automotive fuel) by 0.5%,

decreased for automotive fuel in specialised stores by 1.3%.

Among Member States for which data are available, the highest monthly increases in the total retail trade volume were recorded in Romania (+2.3%), Sweden (+1.4%) and Germany (+1.3%). The largest decreases were observed in Luxembourg (-9.4%), Malta (-1.9%) and Latvia (-1.4%).

Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State 

In the euro area in August 2026, compared with August 2025, the volume of retail trade

increased for food, drinks, tobacco by 1.6%,

increased for non-food products (except automotive fuel) by 1.7%,

decreased for automotive fuel in specialised stores by 3.7%.

increased for food, drinks, tobacco by 1.4%,

increased for non-food products (except automotive fuel) by 2.2%,

decreased for automotive fuel in specialised stores by 1.9%.

Among Member States for which data are available, the highest annual increases in the total retail trade volume were recorded in Sweden (+7.7%), Cyprus (+7.5%) and Estonia (+6.0%). Decreases were observed in Malta (-2.4%), Spain (-0.6%), Italy (-0.5%) and Germany (-0.4%).

% change compared with the previous month*