Eurozone retail sales rose 0.3% in August as expected

According to estimates from Eurostat, in August 2019 compared with July 2019, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade increased by 0.3% in the euro area (EA19) and by 0.2% in the EU28. In July 2019, the retail trade volume fell by 0.5% in the euro area and by 0.4% in the EU28.

In August 2019 compared with August 2018, the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 2.1% in the euro area and by 2.5% in the EU28. Economists had expected a 1.9% increase in the euro area.

In the euro area in August 2019, compared with July 2019, the volume of retail trade increased by 0.4% for nonfood products and by 0.1% for automotive fuels, while food, drinks and tobacco remained unchanged. In the EU28, the retail trade volume increased by 0.3% for non-food products, by 0.2% for automotive fuels, and by 0.1% for food, drinks and tobacco.

In the euro area in August 2019, compared with August 2018, the volume of retail trade increased by 4.1% for nonfood products, by 2.1% for automotive fuel and by 0.4% for food, drinks and tobacco. In the EU28, the retail trade volume increased by 4.2% for non-food products, by 3.0% for automotive fuel, and by 0.7% for food, drinks and tobacco.

A separate report from Eurostat showed, in August 2019, compared with July 2019, industrial producer prices fell by 0.5% in the euro area (EA19) and by 0.4% in the EU28. In July 2019, prices increased by 0.1% in the euro area and by 0.2% in the EU28. In August 2019, compared with August 2018, industrial producer prices fell by 0.8% in the euro area and by 0.3% in the EU28.