Malta Achieves Third-Strongest Retail Growth in EU with 6.2% October Surge

Malta has recorded exceptional retail sector performance, posting the third-highest annual growth in retail trade volume across the European Union for October 2025, according to new Eurostat data.

The calendar-adjusted retail sales index for Malta climbed an impressive 6.2% compared to October 2024, significantly outpacing EU-wide averages and demonstrating remarkable consumer spending strength. Only Cyprus at 9.9% and Bulgaria at 7.4% recorded stronger annual growth among Member States.

Malta's robust performance stands in sharp contrast to the broader European picture, where retail activity remained stable month-on-month and modest annual gains prevailed. The island's 6.2% surge substantially exceeded sectoral averages across the bloc, where food, drinks and tobacco sales rose just 0.9% in the eurozone, non-food products increased 2.1%, and automotive fuel sales gained 1.8%.

The strong retail figures indicate broad-based consumer confidence and spending resilience across Malta's economy. Retail operators have consistently highlighted stable customer footfall and sustained demand, particularly for non-food products, reflecting healthy domestic consumption patterns.

Several factors underpin Malta's outstanding retail performance. Wage growth has bolstered household purchasing power, whilst population expansion continues to drive demand across multiple retail categories. The combination of employment strength and demographic growth has created favourable conditions for sustained consumer spending.

Malta's retail sector success reflects wider economic momentum, with the country continuing to demonstrate economic vitality that outpaces many European peers. The robust retail data complements other positive economic indicators, including strong employment growth and solid GDP performance.

Whilst monthly EU retail figures showed mixed results across Member States, with some countries experiencing contractions, Malta's year-on-year growth trajectory highlights the resilience and strength of its domestic economy. The retail sector's performance reinforces Malta's position as one of Europe's most dynamic consumer markets, supported by fundamental economic strengths including rising incomes and expanding population.