Singapore's non-oil domestic exports grew by a weak 0.5 per cent in January, compared with the same period last year, below the 3.3 per cent forecasts by economists.

Electronic exports was again the poor performer, contracting 5.6 per cent over the year.

Non-electronic exports rose 3.8 per cent last month, better than the 14.8 per cent decline seen in December.

Exports to United States and Europe continued to suffer, dragged down by continued economic malaise in the markets.

Exports to US dropped 14.1 per cent while Europe saw a 18.4 per cent decline.

Total trade rose 1.4 per cent last month, performing better than the 8.2 per cent fall seen in December. Total trade stood at $80.9 billion in January.