UK inward investment double Germany and France

Foreign direct investment into the UK was worth $1.89 trillion (£1.48 trillion), more than Germany ($939bn) and France ($825bn) combined, with their total of $1.76 trillion. Between 2010 and 2018, the value of inward investment in the UK increased by 77%.

The figures from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) indicated that the increase in the value of UK stock since 2010 ($822bn) was worth nearly as much as the total value of French inwards stock by the end of 2018.

Over the past year the value of inward stock into the UK increased by 4.7%, compared to just 0.8% in France and a 1.9% fall in Germany

Other indications that overseas confidence in the British economy remains strong include a 20% increase after the 2016 referendum in the number of announced cross-border greenfield (new investment) projects into the UK. On average there were 1,192 announced projects per year over the period 2012-2016, compared to 1,428 projects over 2017-2018.

Overall between 2014 and 2018 there were 6,714 greenfield projects into the UK, more than anywhere else in Europe, and more than France (3,283) and Spain (2,765) combined.

Dr Liam Fox, international trade secretary, said: ‘The figures prove the British economy is by far the most attractive place in Europe for foreign direct investment, securing more than the impressive economies of Germany and France combined.

‘The UK’s pro-business environment is what makes it one of the most prosperous countries in the world to invest in. From our booming tech industry to our world-leading financial services sector, investors from all over the world see Britain as their destination of choice for relocation.’