Romania, record increase in EU in retail trade

The retail trade volume increased with 0.8 percent in Romania in April compared with the previous month, the highest increase being recorded in the European Union, according to preliminary data provided Tuesday by the European Statistics Office (Eurostat).

In April, compared with the previous month, the retail trade fell with 1percent in the euro area and with 1.1 percent in the European Union.

The only increases were observed in Romania (0.8 percent) and Germany (0.6 percent).

The most significant decreases were recorded in Austria (minus 3.5 percent), Slovenia (minus 2.9 percent) and Finland (minus 2.7 percent).

In April, the retail trade increased in two Member States, fell in 18 countries and remained stable in Bulgaria.

In annual pace, in April 2012, compared with April 2011, the retail trade fell with 2.5 percent in the euro area and with 1.9 percent in the European Union.

Romania ranks the third in the EU in annual retail growth, with an advance of 3.4 percent, being surpassed only by Estonia (8.5 percent) and Latvia (7.8 percent).

The most significant decreases were recorded in Spain (minus 9.6 percent), Portugal (minus 9.3 percent) and Malta (minus 4.6 percent).

In April, compared with the same month of last year, the retail trade rose in nine countries and declined in 12 Member States.

Translated by Alexandra-Diana Mircea
MTTLC, Bucharest University