Eurozone retail sales fall more than expected in September

According to the report from Eurostat, in September 2020, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade fell by 2.0% in the euro area and by 1.7% in the EU, compared with August 2020. Economists had expected a 1.0% decrease in the euro area. In August 2020, the retail trade volume rose by 4.2% in the euro area and by 3.6% in the EU.

In September 2020 compared with September 2019, the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 2.2% in the euro area and by 2.1% in the EU. Economists had expected a 2.8% increase in the euro area.

In the euro area in September 2020, compared with August 2020, the volume of retail trade decreased by 2.6% for non-food products, by 1.4% for food, drinks and tobacco and by 0.2% for automotive fuels. In the EU, the volume of retail trade decreased by 2.1% for non-food products, by 1.1% for food, drinks and tobacco and by 0.5% for automotive fuels.

In the euro area in September 2020, compared with September 2019, the volume of retail trade increased by 2.9% for food, drinks and tobacco and by 2.6% for non-food products, while automotive fuel decreased by 3.8%. In the EU, the retail trade volume increased by 2.9% for non-food products and by 2.4% for food, drinks and tobacco, while automotive fuel decreased by 4.6%.