Retail trade fell by 0.1% in the EU and euro area in March, in contrast to increases in 2024

In March, retail trade fell by 0.1% in the European Union and the euro area, after remaining stable in the EU and increasing by 0.2% in the previous month. Sales of food, beverages and tobacco fell by 0.4%, while sales of automotive fuels rose by 0.4%. The largest increases were observed in Malta, Belgium and Croatia, and the most significant decreases in Slovenia and Estonia. Compared with March 2024, the volume of trade rose by 1.4% in the EU, with the largest increases in Luxembourg and Bulgaria.