Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, reported a decline in retail sales volume for May 2025 compared to April. Preliminary estimates indicate a 0.7% decrease within the Eurozone and a 0.8% reduction across the broader European Union.
This downturn follows an increase in retail sales observed in April, where the Eurozone saw a 0.3% rise and the EU experienced a 0.8% increase.
When considering year-on-year performance, the calendar-adjusted retail sales index demonstrated growth. The Eurozone registered a 1.8% increase in May 2025 compared to May 2024, while the EU recorded a 1.9% rise.
Breaking down the figures further, sales volume for food, beverages and tobacco products decreased by 0.7% in the Eurozone, with a 0.6% drop observed in the non-food sector (excluding motor fuels) and a 1.3% reduction in motor fuel sales at service stations. The EU as a whole mirrored these trends with declines in each respective area.
Among the member states reporting data, Sweden experienced the most significant monthly drops in retail sales volume, falling by 4.6%. Belgium followed with a 2.5% decrease and Estonia reported a decline of 2.2%. Conversely, Portugal saw the most substantial increases, with a 2.1% rise, followed by Bulgaria (+2.0%) and Cyprus (+1.0%).