Beijing’s economic magnetism remains strong even as foreign direct investment (FDI) saw a slight decline in 2025. According to the Ministry of Commerce, the country welcomed 70,392 new foreign-invested enterprises, marking a robust 19.1% surge from 2024. However, actual FDI utilization dropped 9.5% to 747.69 billion yuan, equivalent to roughly $103 billion.
This mixed picture underscores China’s evolving appeal to global investors. Manufacturing drew 185.51 billion yuan, while the services sector dominated with 545.12 billion yuan. High-tech industries shone brightest, absorbing 241.77 billion yuan—a testament to Beijing’s push for innovation-driven growth.
Breakthroughs in e-commerce services, medical devices, machinery manufacturing, and aerospace equipment posted impressive gains of 75%, 42.1%, and 22.9% respectively over the previous year. These sectors highlight China’s strategic focus on cutting-edge technologies amid global trade tensions.
From a source-country perspective, Switzerland led with a 66.8% year-on-year increase, followed by the UAE at 27.3% and the UK at 15.9%. This diversification signals growing confidence from diverse economies in China’s long-term potential.
As geopolitical uncertainties loom, these figures reflect resilience. Policymakers are doubling down on reforms to stabilize inflows, including tax incentives and streamlined approvals. For businesses eyeing Asia, China continues to offer unmatched scale and opportunity, even if the road ahead demands careful navigation.