Publication

Foreign direct investment in the United States has rebounded after falling from the $310 billion recorded in 2008, a record surpassed only by the $320 billion invested in 2000 in US businesses and real estate. In 2011, according to US Department of Commerce data, foreigners invested $234 billion in US businesses and real estate. Foreign direct investments are highly sought after by many state and local governments that are struggling to create additional jobs in their localities. While some in Congress encourage such investment to offset the perceived negative economic effects of US firms investing abroad, others are concerned about foreign acquisitions of US firms that are considered essential to US national and economic security.