Eurostat: Bulgaria had EU’s highest annual increase in retail trade volume in March 2026

Among EU member states for which data are available, the highest annual increase in the total retail trade volume was recorded in Bulgaria, 12.4 per cent), the bloc’s statistics agency Eurostat said on May 7.

This was followed by Hungary (8.2 per cent) and Malta (7.5 per cent).

Decreases were observed in Romania (-2.3 per cent) and Germany (-2.0 per cent), Eurostat said.

In March 2026, compared with February 2026, the seasonally adjusted retail trade volume decreased by 0.1 per cent in the euro area and increased by 0.3 per cent in the EU, according to first estimates from Eurostat.

In February 2026, retail trade volume fell by 0.3 per cent in the euro area and by 0.5 per cent in the EU.

In March 2026, compared with March 2025, the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 1.2 per cent in the euro area and by 1.9 per cent in the EU.

Among member states for which data are available, the highest monthly increases in the total retail trade volume were recorded in Slovenia (4.3 per cent), Luxembourg (4.0 per cent) and Belgium (3.6 per cent).

Decreases were observed in Germany (-2.1 per cent), Malta (-0.4 per cent), Italy and Latvia (both -0.1 per cent), the statistics agency said.

(Photo: Vera Reis/ sxc.hu)