Eurozone retail sales rose less than forecast in August

According to the report from Eurostat, in August 2021, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade rose by 0.3% in both the euro area and in the EU, compared with July 2021. Economists had expected a 0.8% increase in the euro area. In July 2021, the retail trade volume decreased by 2.6% in the euro area and by 2.1% in the EU.

In August 2021 compared with August 2020, the calendar adjusted volume of retail trade remained stable in the euro area and increased by 1.1% in the EU. Economists had expected a 0.4% increase in the euro area.

In the euro area in August 2021, compared with July 2021, the volume of retail trade increased by 1.8% for nonfood products, while it fell by 0.1% for automotive fuels and by 1.7% for food, drinks and tobacco. In the EU, the volume of retail trade increased by 1.8% for non-food products, while it fell by 0.3% for automotive fuels and by 1.5% for food, drinks and tobacco.

In the euro area in August 2021, compared with August 2020, the volume of retail trade increased by 1.3% for nonfood products and by 1.2% for automotive fuels, while it fell by 1.9% for food, drinks and tobacco. In the EU, the volume of retail trade increased by 3.0% for non-food products and by 2.1% for automotive fuels, while it fell by 1.5% for food, drinks and tobacco.