TENTATIVE SALES GROWTH REGISTERED IN THE EURO AREA. BULGARIAN CONSUMPTION REMAINS LOW

Retail sales in the Euro area increased at a faster rate over the last year in June, according to Eurostat data. The surprisingly high values, however, were due entirely to the rise of the German indicator. According to the EU's Statistical Office, retail sales rose by 0.9% on a monthly basis, while they were expected to reach merely 0.5%, compared to the 1.3% decline month-on-month. This was their highest level since May 2010 when they increased by 1.2%.

On an annual basis, the index fell by 0.4% rather than the expected decline of 1%, compared to the 1.8% drop for the previous period. The sales volume was highly volatile in recent months since it rose in April and slumped in March. The overall trend remains unchanged and, most likely, it will be maintained.

The Bulgarian trend, however, is negative. The population's consumption rate continues to be low and the June decline was 0.6% month-on-month. Our country ranks third in terms of the decrease in retail sales in the EU. In a year, retail sales fell by 0.8%, ranking Bulgaria 11th among EU member-states in terms of the downward trend.

In June, the entire EU reported growth of 0.7% on the same indicator. In May, the retail sales of the 27 EU member-states and of the European Economic and Monetary Union dropped by 1.3%, reminded Eurostat. The consumption in the 'Food, Beverages and Tobacco' segment increased by 0.9% in the Eurozone and by 1% in June month-on-month. The non-food sector reported growth of 1% and 1.2%, respectively.