BEIJING, Dec 8 (Reuters) - China's exports and imports unexpectedly accelerated last month in an encouraging sign for the world's second-biggest economy. in November rose 12.3 percent year-on-year, the fastest pace in eight months, led by strong sales of electronics and high-tech goods, while commodity purchases helped lift imports.
The number beat analysts' forecast of a 5.0 percent increase and compared with 6.9 percent growth in October.
Imports grew 17.7 percent year-on-year in November, the General Administration of Customs said, also well above expectations of 11.3 percent growth and rising at the fastest pace since September.
Following is a breakdown of China's exports and imports with its biggest trade partners in November.
(Trade figures in $ billion, percent changes year-on-year):
Nov-17 Exports Imports Balance Exports
Imports
Exports
Imports
+/- % y/y +/- % y/y +/- % m/m +/- % m/m Japan
13.3
15.5
-2.1
9.4%
13.4%
14.1%
13.1% South Korea
10.0
17.8
-7.8
13.8%
18.6%
19.8%
16.2% Taiwan
4.1
16.2
-12.1
4.5%
15.1%
11.7%
14.6% European Union
33.9
23.0
10.9
13.2%
23.4%
10.9%
19.6% USA
42.1
14.2
27.9
14.3%
4.2%
11.5%
27.8% Australia
4.4
8.4
-3.9
18.9%
24.3%
15.7%
4.5% ASEAN
29.0
24.2
4.8
18.8%
17.7%
18.9%
17.2%