(Eurostat) Retail sales in the euro area and EU declined by 1.3% in April, compared to increases of 0.3% and 0.6%, respectively, in March.
In the euro area, retail trade volume fell the most in the food, drinks, and tobacco category at 2.6%, followed by non-food products at 0.7%. Automotive fuels saw a 1.9% jump.
In the EU, food, drinks, and tobacco posted a decline of 2.3%, while non-food retail trade was down by 0.9%. Automotive fuels rose by 1.4%.
Retail trade volume fell the highest in Slovenia, Germany, and Latvia. Increases were observed the highest in Spain, Luxembourg, and Ireland.
On a year-over-year basis, retail sales are still 3.9% and 5.0% higher in the euro area and EU, respectively, in April.
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