The volume of retail trade in the European Union decreased suddenly in July given that Europeans have reduced their shopping during the coronavirus to basic goods, according to figures released by Eurostat on Friday.

In July 2021, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade fell by 1.9% in the EU compared with June 2021 when revised figures showed that in June retail trade increased by 1.4%.

At the same time, the volume of retail trade in the euro area fell by 2.3% on the month, whereas in June it increased by 1.8%, Eurostat’s revised figures show.

In the EU the volume of retail trade decreased by 2.9% for non-food products, by 0.9% for automotive fuels and by 0.7% for food, drinks and tobacco.

In the euro area, in July 2021 compared with June 2021, the volume of retail trade decreased by 3.5% for non-food products, by 1.6% for automotive fuels and by 0.7% for food, drinks and tobacco.

Croatia with the highest increase

Among the member states for which data are available, the largest monthly decreases in total retail trade were registered in Ireland (-5.9%), Germany (-5.1%) and Austria (-3.9%).

Croatia registered the highest monthly increase in retail trade among EU countries, of +2.5%. In June it registered a decrease of -2.6%.

Malta and Luxembourg followed with increases of +2.3% and +2.2% respectively.