Malaysia Nov exports, imports seen rising, trade surplus to fall slightly

[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia's November exports are forecast to increase from a year earlier at a slightly slower pace than the previous month's growth amid muted external demand, a Reuters poll showed.

The median forecast is for a 12.2 per cent annual expansion in November, slowing from a 16.7 per cent rise in October.

The poll also forecasts a 14.1 per cent rise in November's imports from last year, a sharp swing from a 0.4 per cent dip in October. The forecast hike is due a lower base in November 2014 when domestic demand was softer.

Malaysia's trade surplus in November was seen at RM12.00 billion (US$2.76 billion), slightly down from RM12.16 billion the previous month.

REUTERS