MetLife says Asian operating earnings fell 3% to $US647 million ($696 million) in the six months to June 30.

It blames the drop on lower surrender fee income from certain foreign currency fixed annuity products in Japan.

Premiums in the region – including Australia – totalled $US3.8 billion ($4 billion) for the six months, down from $US3.9 billion ($4.1 billion) in the first half of last year.

MetLife says sales fell in Japan due to actions taken on products there, but this decline was offset by stronger sales in China and Korea.

Asian claims were static at $US2.8 billion ($3 billion), while total operating expenses fell to $US5.1 billion ($5.4 billion) from $US5.3 billion ($5.7 billion).  

Net investment income for the region was flat at $US1.4 billion ($1.5 billion).

However, the gain on the investment portfolio grew to $US239 million ($257 million) from $US213 million ($229 million).

Globally, MetLife premiums for the six months totalled $US19 billion ($20.4 billion), up from $US18.2 billion ($19.5 billion) in the corresponding period last year.

Claims were $US19.3 billion ($20.7 billion), up from $US18.1 billion ($19.4 billion).