SINGAPORE'S exports last month fell by the most in 20 months, leading some economists to believe a technical recession for the economy might be on the horizon.

Weighed down by a weak showing in electronics and pharmaceuticals, non-oil domestic exports (Nodx) plunged by a worse-than-expected 13.8 per cent over August last year - its fourth straight month of decline.

Exports to nine of Singapore's top 10 markets fell, as the abject Nodx figures could not meet even the low expectations of economists, who had predicted an 8 per cent contraction. Of the top 10, only exports to Indonesia increased.

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