Australia's trade deficit has come in smaller than expected, driven mostly by a fall in imports.

The nation imported $118 million more in goods and services in November than it sold overseas, but analysts were on average expecting a $300 million shortfall.

Exports edged slightly higher, rising from $27.28 billion to $27.38 billion.

Imports fell 1 per cent, sliding from $27.64 billion to $27.5 billion between October and November.

The biggest fall in imports came in the consumer goods sector, with a 2 per cent decline overall - non-industrial transport equipment (cars) was down 8 per cent, while household electrical items rose 9 per cent.

There was also a decline in the amount of money Australians spent travelling overseas, with tourism related services debits falling $44 million to $2.77 billion in November as a declining Australian dollar dampened the appetite for overseas holidays.

Imports of capital goods that businesses use as part of their production processes rose 1 per cent in a positive sign that there is some investment happening.

On the export side, shipments of iron ore and coal generally fell, bucking an upwards trend, but prices rose compensating for the lower volumes.

In seasonally adjusted terms, exports of metal ores and minerals were up $341 million (4 per cent), while coal sales were down $202 million (6 per cent).