Expenditures by foreign direct investors in the United States reached $151.0 billion in 2024, according to preliminary statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. This represents a decrease of $24.9 billion, or 14.2 percent, compared to $176.0 billion in 2023 and falls below the annual average of $277.2 billion for the years 2014–2023.
Acquisitions accounted for most expenditures at $143.0 billion, while new business establishments saw $6.3 billion, and expansions of existing businesses amounted to $1.8 billion.
In terms of employment, foreign-owned businesses that were newly acquired, established, or expanded employed 204,200 people in 2024.
The manufacturing sector led new direct investment expenditures by industry with $67.7 billion, making up 44.9 percent of total expenditures, followed by chemical manufacturing at $23.7 billion.
Ireland was the leading country investing in the U.S., contributing $30.1 billion, followed by Canada with $23.9 billion.
By state, Texas received the most investment at $22.8 billion; Georgia and California also attracted significant investments at $16.3 billion and $12.9 billion respectively.
Greenfield investment expenditures totaled $8.1 billion in 2024 with the professional services sector leading these investments at $2.8 billion.
Europe led regional greenfield investments with contributions amounting to $3.8 billion.
Wyoming and New Mexico received substantial greenfield investments amounting to $2.0 and $1.4 billion respectively.
Planned total expenditures for greenfield investments initiated in 2024 are projected at $14.1 billion.
Employment figures show that acquired enterprises had a current employment level of 203,600 employees in 2024 with planned employment reaching up to 213,200 when considering future expansions and establishments fully operationalized.
The manufacturing sector employed the largest number of individuals (73,600) among foreign-owned enterprises while Florida recorded the highest employment due to new investments (32,700), followed by Texas (18,200) and New York (14,200).
Some previously published data tables have been discontinued as part of this release but remain archived for reference.