China imports rose a forecast-beating 6.7 percent year-on-year to $152.2 billion in November, government data showed Thursday, in a positive sign for the world's second-largest economy.

Exports rose 0.1 percent on-year to $196.8 billion, Customs figures showed, snapping a seven-month losing streak and smashing a Bloomberg News survey of economists predicting a five percent drop. Imports had been expected to fall 1.9 percent.

The trade surplus slipped to $44.6 billion in the month.

The readings were a massive improvement on the previous month, when exports dived 7.3 percent and imports fell 1.4 percent.

China is the world's biggest trader in goods, and its performance affects partners from Australia to Zambia, which have been battered as its expansion has slowed to levels not seen in a quarter of a century.

Stable overseas demand and a weaker Chinese currency helped boost exports, with the yuan sliding against the dollar to eight-year lows in recent weeks.

But China's trade faces an uncertain outlook as Donald Trump, who has blasted Beijing for protectionist policies and alleged currency manipulation, prepares to be sworn in as US president next month.