Latvia’s retail trade volume increased by 5.2% in January 2013, compared to the same period of 2012. It was the third most rapid increase of retail trade in the European Union (EU).

The largest increase in the EU was noted in Belgium (8.4%) and Luxembourg (7.1%), as the latest Eurostat data suggests.

The largest reduction of retail trade, on the other hand, was noted in Slovenia (7.6%), Bulgaria (5.5%) and Portugal (3.9%).

Estonia’s retail trade volume increased by 0.4% during the year. That of Lithuania increased by 1.8%.

Retail trade volume increased in 11 EU countries during this period, while a reduction was noted in 8 EU countries.

Compared to the same month of 2012, all EU countries had a reduction of 0.9% in retail trade in January 2013. Eurozone countries had an average of 1.3% reduction in retail trade.

When compared to the previous month, January’s retail trade volume in EU countries increased by 0.9%, while that of Eurozone countries – by 1.2%.

Retail trade has increased in 11 countries during the month. Reduction was noted in 6 countries.

The most rapid monthly increase was noted in Portugal and Romania (4.2%), as well as Belgium and Germany (3.1%).

The largest monthly reduction, however, was noted in Denmark (2%), Malta (1.6%) and Finland (1.2%).

Latvia’s retail trade increased by 1.2% during the month. That of Estonia increased by 0.6% and that of Lithuania – by 0.5%.

Ref: 102.109.109.6411