Malaysia's trade surplus dropped to RM9.24 billion in October, down 19 percent from September and 2.0 percent from a year ago, official data showed today.

Total exports for October were RM54.91 billion, up 2.3 percent from September and 1.4 percent higher from the same month last year, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry said.

Imports came in at RM45.67 billion, up 7.0 percent from September and 18 percent higher from a year ago.

"Major product sectors which contributed to the significant increase in exports ... crude petroleum, chemicals and chemical products, refined petroleum products, palm oil and liquefied natural gas," the ministry said.

Total exports for the first 10 months of the year grew 2.4 percent to RM496.57 billion compared to the same period last year while imports for the same period rose by 4.5 percent to RM415.39 billion.

Total trade for the first 10 months amounted to RM811.38 billion and RM100.58 billion for October.