OREANDA-NEWS. In July 2015 compared with June 2015 , the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade rose by 0.4 % in the euro area (EA19) and by 0.3 % in the EU28 , according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

In June retail trade fell by 0.2 % and 0.1 % respectively. In July 2015 compared with July 20 1 4 the retail sales index increased by 2.7 % in the euro area and by 3.3 % in the EU28.

Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State

The 0.4 % in crease in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in July 2015, compared with June 2015, is due to rises of 0.8 % for automotive fuel, of 0.2% for “Food, drinks and tobacco” and of 0.1 % for non - food products. In the EU28 , the 0.3 % in crease in retail trade volume is due to rises of 0.6% for automotive fuel , of 0. 2 % for non - food products and of 0.1% for “Food, drinks and tobacco”. Among Member States for which data are available, the highest increases in total retail trade were registered in Estonia (+2.5%), Germany (+1.4%), Malta , Portugal and Romania (all +1.1%) , and the largest decreases in Luxembourg ( -1.2%), Poland (-1.1%) and Austria (-0.9%) .

Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State

The 2.7% increase in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in Ju ly 2015, compared with July 2014, is due to rises of 3.1% for non - food products, of 1.9 % for “Food, drinks and tobacco” and of 1.6% for automotive fuel. In the EU28, the 3.3% increase in retail trade volume is due to rises of 4.1 % for non - food products, of 2.1% for “Food, drinks and tobacco” and of 1.5% for automotive fuel. Among Member States for which data are available, the highest increases in total retail trade were observed in Romania (+ 9.6 %), Estonia (+7.8%) , Hungary (+7.0%) and Ireland (+6.4%), while decreases were observed in Luxembourg ( -10.5 %) and Finland (-0.3 %) .