Retail Sales Experience Marginal Decline in March

According to Eurostat's latest report, retail trade in the Eurozone and the European Union saw a slight decrease of 0.1% in March compared to the previous month. However, when compared to the same period last year, there was a positive growth of 1.5% in the euro area and 1.4% in the EU.

Detailed Sector Analysis

The report further breaks down the performance by sectors. Food, drinks, and tobacco sales dipped by 0.1% in the euro area and by 0.4% in the EU. Non-food products experienced a 0.1% decline in the Eurozone but saw a 0.1% increase in the EU. On a brighter note, automotive fuel sales in specialized stores grew by 0.4% across both regions.

Country-Specific Trends

Slovenia, Estonia, and Slovakia were among the countries with the most significant monthly retail sales declines, with Slovenia leading at a 2% decrease. Conversely, Malta, Belgium, and Croatia enjoyed the highest increases, with Malta topping the list at a 2% growth.