Spain receives the largest amount of foreign direct investment ever recorded since records began

From January to September 2018, it breaks through the barrier of 40 billion euros for the first time

The foreign direct investment (FDI) received by Spain in the first three quarters of 2018 broke through the barrier of 40 billion euros for the first time; it rose to 40,621,166,000 euros. It is the highest figure ever recorded since records began, not just taking into account the first three quarters of the year, but even in comparison with full years. In fact, in the first three quarters of 2018, the FDI received by Spain is almost 3% higher than what was recorded in the entire year of 2017.

During the first three quarters of 2018, total FDI showed an increase of 75.1% on a gross basis and an even greater increase, 149.2% on a net basis, compared with the same period in 2017.

Gross investment reached 40.621 billion euros, and net investment 33.959 billion euros.

If we compare this data with the average of the last five years, the increase in gross investment was 74.4%, and 106.9% on a net basis, which confirms the consolidation of investments in this last period.

 

It is worth highlighting an increase of 10.2%, compared with the same period in fiscal year 2017 in productive investments, also called “greenfield/brownfield” operations, which generate an increase in the country's GDP. If we compare it with the average of the last few years, this increase was 38.8%.

 

Breakdown by Country
In terms of the countries that receive a larger gross foreign investment, the United States maintains its dominance, with a 10% share and an increase of 45.7%; followed by the United Kingdom—which continues to maintain its investing position despite the uncertainty of Brexit—, Australia and Germany.

Finally, we should highlight that China and Qatar have joined the list of the main investing countries and have made significant investment operations.

By region at the global level, the OCDE accounts for 90.1% of the total source of investments, which is an increase of 77.8% compared to the same period in 2017. The EU accounts for 68.8% of investments, with an increase of 90.3%.

It is worth highlighting significant growth in Asia and Oceania, mainly due to the two operations from Australia and China.

Lastly, it is worth highlighting the fall in investment, as has been occurring in the last few years, from tax havens.

Distribution by autonomous regions
The Community of Madrid (85.5%), Catalonia (5.3%) and Basque Country (2.7%) receive a large part of productive investment, specifically 93.5%.

It is worth pointing out, for the second consecutive period, the significant growth in investment in the Community of Madrid, which by itself accounts for 85.5% of investment, and included an increase of 181.8% compared with the same period in 2017.

Catalonia and Basque Country occupy the second and third positions, although both communities recorded declines of 16.8% and 67.8% respectively compared with the same period in 2017.

Other communities that recorded growth in this period were Navarra, Cantabria and Aragon, with respect to the declines in investment in the rest of the communities.