KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — Malaysia’s exports in September rose 2.0 per cent from a year earlier, supported by higher demand towards the year-end, government data showed today.

The rise was lower than the 2.70 per cent median forecast in a Reuters poll.

Imports were up 1.1 per cent from a year earlier while the country’s trade surplus for the month came in at RM9.3 billion (US$2.78 billion).

Exports of the country’s mainstay electrical and electronic products grew by 5.3 per cent. Exports of commodities such as palm oil and crude oil rose 15.8 per cent and declined 9.0 per cent, respectively.

Thirteen economists had forecast a trade surplus of RM5.40 billion.

Exports of the country’s mainstay electrical and electronic products grew by 5.3 per cent. — AFP pic

Exports to China declined 8.4 per cent from a year earlier.

For a graphic on Malaysia’s exports and imports, please click here. — Reuters