October imports outpace exports

THE value of imports outpaced exports by about $9 billion in October.

The Government yesterday said re-exports rose 12 per cent to $102 billion, while domestic exports fell about 2.6 per cent to $21 billion from the same month last year.

Imports rose 13 per cent or $131 billion during the same period.

According to the Government, the value of imports from France rose 87 per cent, Malaysia 36 per cent and South Korea 25 per cent.

The value of imports from Germany fell 10 per cent.

Re-exports to France also posted the highest single country gains in value of 39 per cent.