Upswing in foreign trade fuels optimism

China's foreign trade could continue its upswing early next year, after both exports and imports posted a surprise pickup in November, according to analysts.

Foreign trade volume increased to 2.35 trillion yuan ($341.5 billion) in November, up by 8.9 percent year-on-year, according to figures released by the General Administration of Customs on Thursday. Exports grew by 5.9 percent year-on-year, and imports by 13 percent.

Analysts said the data signaled that the nation's foreign trade situation could improve early next year. The decline of exports had gradually narrowed in the past several months before the unexpected turn.