Investing in America: Why the United States Remains a Top Choice for Foreign Businesses

by SelectUSA

The United States continues to be a magnet for international businesses looking to expand—and the numbers speak for themselves. For 13 years in a row, the United States has been ranked the world's top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).

A Global Leader in Investment

When multinational companies decide where to plant their next roots, they prioritize economic stability and potential for growth. And year after year, they look to invest in the United States. The latest figures show that as of the end of 2023, total foreign investment here reached an impressive $5.39 trillion. That kind of investment fuels over 16 million jobs nationwide— directly and indirectly.

So, what countries’ companies are investing the most? Japan tops the list with $783.3 billion, followed by Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Where the Money Goes: Industries & States

FDI doesn’t just support Wall Street or Silicon Valley—it touches industries from manufacturing to finance to wholesale trade. In 2023, manufacturing attracted the largest chunk of investment, making up 41.2% of the total.

When it comes to job-creation, California leads the pack with more than 850,000 FDI-backed positions. Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois round out the top five. And in some states like South Carolina and Kentucky, FDI supports more than 5% of the entire workforce.

Greenfield Investment: Building from Scratch

Greenfield investment—when foreign companies build new facilities from the ground up—is another sign of long-term confidence. From 2015 to 2024, FDI in states like Texas, Arizona, California, and New York resulted in billions in new capital projects. California alone hosted over 2,000 new investment projects during that time.

More Than Just Money: Long-Term Value

In a global landscape where multinationals have no shortage of location options, FDI often serves as a bellwether for a country’s economic competitiveness.

FDI isn’t just about dollars—it brings in cutting-edge technology, better management practices, and connects U.S. businesses to global supply chains. It also helps spread opportunities beyond major cities, fueling growth in rural and mid-sized states. Industries from AI to energy are seeing big benefits, helping the country stay competitive in fast-moving global markets.

How the United States Makes It Easy to Invest

The U.S. government actively supports foreign investment through programs like SelectUSA, which offers free tools, data, and direct support. Whether investors want help navigating the tools and resources of the federal government or need insights into workforce and business clusters, or assistance connecting with state or local economic development organizations, SelectUSA is a one-stop shop. SelectUSA also hosts events around the world through Roadshows and Conferences and provides personalized counseling and research for investors considering the United States as their next home. And assistance is not just limited to companies but also to state, local, regional and tribal economic development organizations looking to help attract FDI into their areas.

SelectUSA’s highest profile event on facilitating FDI into the United States is the annual SelectUSA Investment Summit. The Investment Summit draws more than 5,500 attendees comprising representatives from U.S. economic development organizations, business investors from over 100 countries and industry experts. Attendees hear insight and advice on steps to take to locate in the United States.

For more information, visit selectusa.gov or email SelectUSA@trade.gov to learn more about resources.

SelectUSA prepared this report on Foreign Direct Investment in the United States for inclusion in this edition of Greater Waco Business, but SelectUSA has not reviewed or contributed to other parts of the publication. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the views of SelectUSA or the United States Government. SelectUSA is the U.S. federal-level program dedicated to facilitating and promoting high-impact business investment into the United States. SelectUSA is committed to maintaining U.S. geographic neutrality in all its activities, communications, and representations. We do not favor or endorse any specific U.S. region, state, or locality over another. Our mission is to provide unbiased support and information to all potential investors and stakeholders, regardless of their geographic location. Any references to specific locations are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply preference or endorsement.