TOKYO, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Japan’s exports fell 4.2% in November from a year earlier, Ministry of Finance data showed on Wednesday, as the pain from the COVID-19 crisis continued. That compared with a 0.5% rise expected by economists in a Reuters poll and followed a 0.2% fall in October. Imports dropped 11.1%, versus the median estimate for a 10.5% decline. The trade balance came to a surplus of 366.8 billion yen ($3.54 billion), against the median estimate of a 529.8 billion yen surplus. For the poll story: To view the full tables, go to the MOF website at: here ($1 = 103.6300 yen) (Reporting by Daniel Leussink Editing by Chang-Ran Kim)