China’s direct investment in America hits lowest level since 2009

Chinese companies have reduced investment in the United States to the lowest level since the global financial crisis, according to estimates of the company “Rhodium Group” (Rhodium Group), which is a new indicator of the disengagement between the two largest economies in the world, Bloomberg reported.

The value of Chinese foreign direct investment deals completed in the United States amounted to 2.49 billion dollars last year, less than half the value recorded in 2021, and the lowest since 2009, according to the consulting firm’s data.

Following the escalation of tensions between the United States and China, the two countries have taken measures to restrict trade and investment in each other’s economies, especially in the high-tech sector, which is sensitive to national security considerations. China’s “zero covid” policy, which Beijing abandoned at the end of last year, has also kept Chinese investors active at home, curbing the process of external expansion.

“Rhodium” cited official US data to show the decline in the volume of assets owned by Chinese companies in the United States in recent years, reaching 282 billion dollars in 2021, a level almost similar to 2017.

The volume of employment of Chinese companies in the United States of America decreased to only 140 thousand employees in 2021, falling by more than 60% from 2017 levels, according to the report.