site.btaBulgaria, Croatia Have EU's Third Largest Decrease in Retail Trade Volume in August

In August 2024, compared with July 2024, the seasonally adjusted retail trade volume increased by 0.2% in the euro area and by 0.3% in the EU, according to first estimates from Eurostat, published on Monday. In July 2024, retail trade volume remained stable in the euro area and grew by 0.1% in the EU.

The highest monthly increases in the total retail trade volume were recorded in Luxembourg (+5.3%), Cyprus (+2.2%) and Romania (+1.6%). The largest decreases were observed in Denmark (-1.5%), Slovakia (-1.1%), Bulgaria and Croatia (both -0.7%).

In August 2024, compared with August 2023, the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 0.8% the euro area and by 1.0% in the EU.

According to the National Statistical Institute data published earlier on Monday, in August 2024, the turnover of retailers in Bulgaria (excluding the trade in cars and motorcycles) decreased by 0.6% compared to the previous month at comparable prices. Retail turnover increased by 4.9% compared with August 2023, calendar-adjusted data show.

In the euro area, the volume of retail trade in food, beverages and tobacco rose by 0.2% in August, compared with July 2024, according to Eurostat. In non-food products (excluding automotive fuels), turnover rose by 0.3%. Automotive fuels grew by 1.1% in August on a monthly basis.

Across the EU, retail trade volumes in August rose by 0.1% on the previous month for food, beverages and tobacco. Non-food was up by 0.3% and motor fuels by 1%.

In August 2024, compared to August 2023, the calendar-adjusted retail sales index rose by 0.8% in the euro area and by 1% in the EU.

Among the member states for which data are available, the highest annual increases in the total volume (turnover - editor's note) of retail trade were registered in Luxembourg (+17.3%), Romania (+8.9%), Croatia and Cyprus (+5.7% each). The largest declines were observed in Estonia (-2.7 per cent), Belgium (-1.7 per cent), Denmark and Ireland (both -1.6 per cent).

In Bulgaria, retail trade volume grew by 4.9% in August compared to the same month last year, Eurostat reports. In July, the indicator registered an increase of 6.8%, with only Croatia (+7.9%) posting a higher annual growth among EU countries.