Cyprus records EU’s second-highest annual retail trade volume growth in August

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus recorded the second-highest annual increase in retail trade volume in the European Union in August 2026, with growth of 7.5 per cent, according to Eurostat. Sweden ranked first at 7.7 per cent, while Estonia followed Cyprus with a 6 per cent increase.

Cyprus growth exceeds EU average

The figures from the EU’s statistical office compare retail trade volumes in August 2026 with those in the same month a year earlier.

Retail trade volume increased by 1.2 per cent across the EU and by 0.8 per cent in the euro area. Cyprus’ annual increase was more than six times the EU average.

Among member states with available data, Sweden, Cyprus and Estonia recorded the strongest annual growth.

Four member states record declines

Retail trade volume declined in four member states. Malta recorded the largest annual fall, at 2.4 per cent, followed by Spain at 0.6 per cent, Italy at 0.5 per cent and Germany at 0.4 per cent.

Food and non-food sales support euro area growth

The euro area’s annual increase was supported by higher sales of non-food products and food, drinks and tobacco.

Retail trade volume in food, drinks and tobacco rose by 1.6 per cent year-on-year, while non-food products excluding automotive fuel increased by 1.7 per cent.

Retail trade in automotive fuel in specialised stores fell by 3.7 per cent.