Brussels, 07/11/2007 (Agence Europe) - In September 2007, compared to August 2007, the volume of retail trade grew by 0.3% in the Euro area and by 0.4% in the EU27. In August, retail trade remained stable in the Euro area and increased by 0.3% in the EU27. In September, 2007, compared with September 2006, the retail sales index gained 1.6% in the Euro area and 3.5% in the EU27. Monthly changes saw prices in the “food, drinks and tobacco” rising by 0.4% in the Euro area. Prices remained unchanged in the EU27. The non food sector increased by 0.3% and 0.7% respectively. Total retail trade rose in 13 member states and fell in five. The largest increases were observed in Sweden (+2.7%), Slovenia (+2.4%), Denmark and Germany (both +2.3%) and the highest decreases in Austria (-1.8%), Portugal (-1.6%), Estonia and Spain (both -0.9%). Annual changes in the retail trade of “food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 0.1% in the Euro area but rose by 0.8% in the EU27. The non food sector increased by 2.5% and by 5.0% respectively. Total retail trade rose in 17 member states and fell only in Portugal (-0.9%). The largest increases were observed in Latvia (+17.5%), Poland (+13.3%), Lithuania (+12.7%) and Sweden (+9.8%). (A.B.)