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Department for International Trade (DIT) statistics showing the number of foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the UK for the financial year 2019/2020.

Figures from the Department for International Trade published today (10 July), show the UK attracted 1,852 new inward investment projects in 2019/2020 financial year, representing a 4% increase on the previous year.

Today’s figures show the US continues to be the number one source of foreign direct investment in the UK, delivering 462 projects and 20,131 jobs, while India is now the UK’s second largest source of investment followed by Germany, France and China and Hong Kong. Australia and New Zealand were responsible for 72 projects and the Nordic and Baltic region 134, an increase for both regions.

England, Wales and Northern Ireland, all saw an increase in the number of projects each nation attracted, whilst Scotland saw a decline on the number of projects from the previous year.

While the number of new jobs as a direct result of foreign investment has declined – a global trend as seen in other FDI reports this year – the number of UK jobs safeguarded by FDI increased by 29%. DIT worked closely with existing investors to safeguard 26% more jobs compared to 2018 to 2019, demonstrating the broad range of support DIT delivers for the UK economy by promoting investment.

International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss said:

These figures further demonstrate the resilience of the UK economy and the work of the Government to continue to build and attract inward investment into the UK. Future trade agreements will deepen our economic relationship with key sources of investment such as the US, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

There is still work to be done in our levelling up agenda, to ensure all regions of the United Kingdom reap the benefits of inward investment, increasing jobs and prosperity across the nations, and these free trade agreements will contribute to this.

Developing key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences and renewable energy will help us to rebound post-pandemic and build on our attractive business environment across the UK for investors around the globe.

This year, DIT’s statistics also include the Cambridge and Oxford Arc, a priority area for government, while the GREAT Investors Program data has also been included showcasing the strengthening of growth capital investment in the UK.

Background

See Inward Investment Results for 2019 to 2020.

The Financial Times FDI Report 2020

• The Financial Times FDI Report 2020 highlights that the UK remains top in Europe on attracting FDI projects and on greenfield capital expenditure.

EY Attractiveness Survey 2020

• The latest attractiveness report by EY shows that the UK lost its top spot to France as most attractive destination in Europe for foreign direct investment, however remains one of the most attractive destinations for investment in Europe with over 1,100 inbound investment projects in 2019, more than Germany and Italy combined; an increase of 5% despite a challenging global climate.

UNCTAD World Investment Report 2019

• The latest data by UNCTAD showed that by the end of 2019, the total value of the UK’s inwards investment stock was $2.1tn, the highest in Europe and second highest in the world. The value of the UK’s inwards stock was also worth more than Germany and France combined.

ONS

• ONS’s latest National Statistics (to the end of 2018) show the inward FDI stock is at the highest level recorded (£1.521 trillion).

Forbes ‘best countries for business’ 2019

• The UK was found to be the top country for doing business in Forbes’ 2019 report, a measure which ranks countries according to how business friendly they are based on 15 different factors from property rights to investor protection.