Prague - The Czech Republic recorded a foreign trade deficit of 3.95 billion koruny (200 million dollars) in October, the first gap in 2008, as exports fell significantly amid the global financial crisis, preliminary government data showed Monday.

The October trade balance was 12.1 billion koruny lower compared to the same period last year, the worst negative year-on-year change since 1994, the Czech Statistical Office said.

The statisticians said that exports dropped 10.7 per cent in October year-on-year, the biggest drop in nearly 10 years, while October imports were down 5.9 per cent annually.

Exports and imports were still on the rise annually in September and analysts expected the foreign trade balance to stay in a surplus in October.

A greater deficit in mineral fuel trade and a significant drop in car exports contributed to the October result, the date showed.

The Czech economy, which has grown in recent years due to an influx of foreign investors, is expected to slow sharply due to falling demand in its main market, the eurozone. (dpa)