Romania's retail trade volume posted the EU's biggest fall in December 2012. The volume of retail trade dropped by 3.2 percent on the previous month, compared to a 0.8 percent average fall in the eurozone and 0.6 percent drop on average across the EU. The second biggest decrease in retail trade volumes was in Spain – down 2.2 percent, according to the latest figure from EU statistical office Eurostat, published today (February 5 ).

Although at first glance, the figures seem to spell trouble for Romania's retailers, the news could perhaps not be as bad as it appears. Comparing December 2012 to December 2011, there was a 3.3 percent fall in retail trade volumes, which was less than 3.4 percent eurozone average drop. Also, November appears to have been a very strong month for volumes, with a 1.3 percent monthly increase and a 3 percent year-on-year rise.

Out of the EU countries for which data was available, retail trade fell in twelve, rose in eight and remained stable in Finland in December 2012 compared to the previous month. The biggest increases were in Luxembourg and Poland – both up by 2.2 percent.

editor@romania-insider.com

photo source: carrefour.ro