Eurozone retail sales rose more than expected in January

According to the report from Eurostat, in January 2019 compared with December 2018, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade increased by 1.3% in the euro area (EA19). Economists had expected a 1.2% increase. In the EU28 volume of retail trade increased by 1.1%. In December, the retail trade volume decreased by 1.4% in the euro area and by 1.3% in the EU28.

In January 2019 compared with January 2018, the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 2.2% in the euro area and by 2.5% in the EU28.

In the euro area in January 2019, compared with December 2018, the volume of retail trade increased by 1.7% for non-food products, by 1.6% for automotive fuel and by 0.6% for food, drinks and tobacco. In the EU28, the retail trade volume increased by 1.5% for non-food products, by 1.2% for automotive fuel, and by 0.8% for foods, drinks and tobacco.

In the euro area in January 2019, compared with January 2018, the volume of retail trade increased by 4.3% for automotive fuels, by 2.2% for food, drinks and tobacco and by 1.7% for non-food products. In the EU28, the retail trade volume increased by 4.4% for automotive fuel, by 2.4% for food, drinks and tobacco and by 2.3% for non-food products.