Romania's retail trade records largest decline in the EU

The volume of retail trade in Romania dropped by 1.4% in February compared to the previous month. It was the biggest decline recorded in the EU, according to EU’s statistical office Eurostat. Retail trade remained stable in the EU and recorded a 0.2% decrease in the euro area. Sales of food, beverages and tobacco dropped by 0.8%, whereas fuel sales went down by 0.4%. Latvia (1.2%), Malta and Slovenia (1.1%), Lithuania (1%) posted the biggest increases. Second most significant drop after Romania was Portugal’s (-1.2%), followed by Spain’s (-0.7%). Compared to February 2014, retail trade went up by 3% in the euro area and by 3.6% in the EU. editor@romania-insider.com