PARIS, 23 Nov. - (ANA) - The latest edition of FDI in Figures shows that global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows have remained stable but at relatively low levels in the first half of 2025.

 

Global FDI flows remained steady at USD 663 billion in the first half of 2025, but showed mixed quarterly trends. They were up by 18% in Q1 but then dropped by 38% in Q2. The United States, Brazil and the United Kingdom were the top three FDI destinations worldwide. Overall, OECD FDI inflows fell by 4%, driven by drops in selected EU countries, though several major OECD and emerging economies saw gains.

 

Published twice yearly, FDI in Figures analyses key developments and trends in global foreign direct investment (FDI) flows using the most recent official FDI statistics. The note also includes a short section describing latest trends in cross-border mergers and acquisitions deals and announced greenfield investment projects.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

? Global FDI flows remained steady at low levels in the first half of 2025, at USD 663 billion, but showed mixed quarterly trends. They were up by 18% in Q1 but then dropped by 38% in Q2. The United States, Brazil and the United Kingdom were the top three FDI destinations worldwide.

 

? Repatriations of earnings by US parents from their Irish affiliates contributed to the overall drop in Q2. As a result of these repatriations, US FDI outflows and Ireland’s FDI inflows declined, due to reduced reinvestment of earnings.

 

? OECD FDI inflows overall dropped by 4%, mainly due to decreases in selected EU countries. Yet, several major OECD and emerging economies recorded higher inflows.

 

? Cross-border M&A activity slowed down, with emerging markets proving more resilient than advanced economies. Greenfield investment peaked in advanced economies, particularly in manufacturing and infrastructure projects related to artificial intelligence (AI), although project counts declined globally.

 

? The outlook for 2025 remains uncertain, as rising trade barriers, resurging inflationary pressures, heightened fiscal risks, and financial market repricing could weigh on stability and economic activity.  - (ANA) -

 

 

To download the full report, visit: https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2025/10/fdi-in-figures-october-2025_fdb82ab9/57d0218c-en.pdf

 

 

AB/ANA/23 November 2025 - - -