Retail Trade in the EU Sees Mixed Trends in May 2025:In May 2025, retail trade volume in the euro area and EU declined by 0.7% and 0.8% respectively compared to April, with decreases across all major sectors. However, on an annual basis, retail trade grew by 1.8% in the euro area and 1.9% in the EU, driven by strong gains in non-food products and automotive fuel. Countries like Cyprus and Bulgaria saw the highest yearly growth, while Sweden recorded the sharpest monthly drop.
Retail Trade in the EU Sees Mixed Trends in May 2025: Decline on Monthly Basis, Growth on Annual Basis
The retail trade sector in the European Union and the euro area experienced contrasting trends in May 2025, according to the latest data released by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. While retail activity declined compared to the previous month, there was a notable improvement on a year-on-year basis.
Monthly Retail Trade Volume Decline
In May 2025, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade dropped by 0.7% in the euro area and by 0.8% in the EU compared with April 2025. This downturn followed modest gains in April 2025, when retail trade volume increased by 0.3% in the euro area and by 0.8% in the EU.
Sector-wise, the decline in May was broad-based:
- In the euro area:
- Food, drinks, and tobacco fell by 0.7%
- Non-food products (excluding automotive fuel) declined by 0.6%
- Automotive fuel sales in specialised stores dropped by 1.3%
- In the EU:
- Food, drinks, and tobacco dropped by 0.8%
- Non-food products (excluding automotive fuel) decreased by 0.7%
- Automotive fuel in specialised stores declined by 1.2%
On a country-specific basis, the sharpest monthly declines in total retail trade volume were observed in:
- Sweden: -4.6%
- Belgium: -2.5%
- Estonia: -2.2%
Meanwhile, some countries bucked the trend, posting retail trade growth:
- Portugal: +2.1%
- Bulgaria: +2.0%
- Cyprus: +1.0%
Year-on-Year Retail Trade Growth
Despite the monthly dip, the annual comparison presents a more positive picture. Compared to May 2024, the calendar adjusted retail trade index rose by:
- 1.8% in the euro area
- 1.9% in the EU
By sector, the annual growth breakdown is as follows:
- In the euro area:
- Food, drinks, and tobacco: +0.5%
- Non-food products (excluding automotive fuel): +2.4%
- Automotive fuel in specialised stores: +2.8%
- In the EU:
- Food, drinks, and tobacco: +0.2%
- Non-food products (excluding automotive fuel): +2.8%
- Automotive fuel in specialised stores: +3.3%
At the country level, the highest annual increases in total retail trade volume were reported in:
- Cyprus: +7.9%
- Bulgaria: +7.2%
- Luxembourg: +6.3%
Conversely, some nations recorded annual declines:
- Finland: -2.2%
- Latvia: -1.9%
- Sweden: -1.8%
Conclusion
The retail trade data for May 2025 highlights the ongoing volatility in consumer spending patterns across Europe. While monthly figures show a slight setback, the broader annual trends suggest resilience in consumer demand, particularly in non-food and automotive fuel sectors. As economic conditions evolve, upcoming months will be crucial to understanding the direction of retail momentum across EU member states.
Disclaimer:
The information presented in this article is based on the latest retail trade data released by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. All figures, percentages, and comparisons mentioned are subject to revision as new data becomes available. This content is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and should not be construed as financial advice, investment guidance, or an economic forecast. Readers are encouraged to consult official Eurostat releases or professional analysts for a comprehensive understanding of the data and its implications. The website and author do not take responsibility for any decisions made based on the information provided in this article.