The British Chamber of Commerce in Spain has presented the tenth edition of its Barometer on the climate and outlook for UK investment in Spain, prepared in conjunction with Analistas Financieros Internacionales (Afi), at the ICEX headquarters in Madrid.

The new edition of the study has once again demonstrated the UK's commitment to investing in Spain, thanks to the more than €1.077 billion invested by the UK in the first six months of 2025. This figure places the UK at the top of the European rankings, second only to the €1.442 billion invested by the United States in the first half of 2025.

In a context of growing global uncertainty and despite the general decline in foreign investment in our country, British flows show a strong commitment to the Spanish economy and a stable presence in strategic sectors. British investment in 2025 has been concentrated mainly in the ‘information services’ and ‘telecommunications’ sectors, which have received nearly two-thirds of the flows.

These positive figures for British investment in our country come on top of the recent agreement signed between Spain and the United Kingdom, a clear sign of both countries' desire to not only strengthen their commercial and business relationship, but also their strategic relationship. The new framework for economic cooperation contributes to creating a more stable and predictable environment, favouring the growth of bilateral investment flows. It also creates favourable conditions for British companies to expand their presence in Spain and for the development of new joint investment opportunities.

The €12.407 billion reached in 2024 represented a record figure for British investment in our country, tripling the previous year's figure. Flows from the United Kingdom accounted for one-third of total foreign direct investment in our country, driven by large one-off transactions.

Historically, the United Kingdom has been one of the main productive investors in Spain. Since 1993, it has accumulated €107.127 billion, equivalent to 16.9% of total inward FDI flows, followed by the United States (€94.387 billion) and France (€72.461 billion).

In terms of FDI stock, which refers to investment that is still present in our country, the United Kingdom increased its presence by 4.6% annually in 2023, reaching €68.477 billion, figures that had not been reached since before the Covid-19 crisis and which place the British country in fourth position, behind the US, Germany, and France. These figures were responsible for maintaining 331,000 jobs in our country, both directly and indirectly.

ICEX CEO Elisa Carbonell stressed the importance of companies having “reliable, up-to-date information, such as that provided by this barometer, before setting out to conquer new markets.” In her opinion, at a time of trade and geopolitical tensions, commercial intelligence is essential “to face challenges and take advantage of investment opportunities safely and efficiently.” For this reason, she reaffirmed ICEX's commitment to “continue working hand in hand with our British counterparts and institutions such as the British Chamber and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce to offer our full support to British and Spanish companies in consolidating their investment activity.”

For his part, Alex Ellis, British Ambassador to Spain, stressed that “British companies are increasingly confident in the dynamic Spanish market, which is driving new growth opportunities. The UK-Spain relationship continues to thrive, based on shared values and mutual trust.”

Isabel Perea, president of the British Chamber, pointed out that "the relationship between Spain and the United Kingdom continues to be a strategic pillar for both countries, not only because of business dynamism and investment opportunities, but also because of the connection we share in areas such as education, culture, tourism, and technological innovation. Our goal is to continue promoting an environment that favours growth and collaboration, strengthening dialogue between the public and private sectors."

In addition, British companies in Spain have high expectations for the performance of the Spanish economy, as well as their investment in the country. This is the belief of more than two-thirds of British companies surveyed for the 10th Barometer on the climate and outlook for UK investment in Spain. 64% of companies say they will increase the volume of investment in Spain during 2026.

^{Source: British Chamber of Commerce in Spain}