KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 ― Malaysia's exports in November rose much more slowly than expected from a year earlier, due to weakening demand for its electronic products and a tumble in earnings from liquefied natural gas.

Government data today showed that exports grew 6.3 per cent on an annual basis. That compares with October's robust 16.7 per cent increase and was half of the 12.2 per cent rise forecast in a Reuters poll.

November was the sixth month in a row in which exports, which Malaysia reports in ringgit, increased from a year earlier. During 2015, the ringgit weakened more than 18 per cent against the dollar.

Imports in November rose 9.1 per cent from a year earlier after dipping 0.4 per cent the previous month.

November's trade surplus fell to RM10.23 billion from RM12.2 billion the previous month.

Exports to the EU saw a 5.9 per cent rise due to demand for palm oil, while exports to the US increased 9.2 per cent on higher shipments of manufactured goods. — Reuters