Thailand’s annual export grows slower for first time in August, leaving two straight months trade deficit account, hit by sluggish shipment to the U.S., China and other Asia countries, said central bank senior director Titanun Malikamas.

Mr. Titanun said the export growth fell sharply to 15.5 per cent in August from 43.9 per cent growth in July.

Shipments to the U.S., Thailand’s main trade partner, dropped drastically to 6.3 per cent in August from an average 20 per cent growth year on year.

Thai exports to the new markets in Southeast Asia countries also plunged to 14 per cent from 68 per cent, while export to China declined to 1.4 per cent from an average of 37.2 per cent annual growth.

In the meantime, imports rose 26.9 per cent in August from a year earlier to $16.46 billion following a record rise of 53.4 per cent to 17.55 billion in July, leaving two straight month trade deficit account of $762 million and $675 million respectively.