Volume of retail trade down by 0.4% in the euro area and by 0.5% in the EU in World Economy News 06/06/2026 Overview In April 2026, compared with March 2026, the seasonally adjusted retail trade volume decreased by 0.4% in the euro area and by 0.5% in the EU, according to first estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In March 2026, retail trade volume grew by 0.8% in the euro area and by 1.1% in the EU. In April 2026, compared with April 2025, the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 1.0% in the euro area and by 0.9% in the EU. Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State In the euro area in April 2026, compared with March 2026, the volume of retail trade increased for food, drinks, tobacco by 0.9%, decreased for non-food products (except automotive fuel) by 0.9%, decreased for automotive fuel in specialised stores by 2.7%. In the EU, the volume of retail trade increased for food, drinks, tobacco by 0.5%, decreased for non-food products (except automotive fuel) by 1.2%, decreased for automotive fuel in specialised stores by 2.4%. Among Member States for which data are available, the largest monthly decreases in the total retail trade volume were recorded in Denmark (-4.5%), Romania (-2.6%), Belgium and Slovakia (both -1.8%). Increases were observed in Lithuania (+1.9%), Malta (+1.0%) and France (+0.3%). Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State  In the euro area in April 2026, compared with April 2025, the volume of retail trade increased for food, drinks, tobacco by 0.6%, increased for non-food products (except automotive fuel) by 2.0%, decreased for automotive fuel in specialised stores by 3.5%. In the EU, the volume of retail trade increased for food, drinks, tobacco by 0.2%, increased for non-food products (except automotive fuel) by 1.8%, decreased for automotive fuel in specialised stores by 2.0%. Among Member States for which data are available, the highest annual increases in the total