Though its share of global foreign direct investment (FDI) has steadily dropped since 1999, the United States still receives more than any other nation in the world. By the end of 2007, foreign-owned assets in the U.S. totaled $20,081.8 billion USD and employ more than 5 million Americans.

Historically, the U.S. has had relatively open policies that encourage FDI. Exceptions to these policies have been made and updated to ensure national security. In 1975, the U.S. Department of the Treasury formed the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to study the impact of FDI.

Today, this committee is responsible for overseeing that investment policy both ensures national security and maintains the confidence of foreign investors, and the openness and equity for both domestic and foreign investment.

By far, the most abundant sectors affected by FDI in the U.S. fall into the manufacturing category. Such industries include food; chemicals; primary and fabricated metals; machinery; computers and electronics products; electrical equipment, appliances, components; transportation equipment and other manufacturing products.

Additional sectors include: wholesale trade; retail trade; information; depository institutions; finance and insurance; real estate; and professional, scientific and technical services.

For more detailed information about foreign direct investment in the U.S., visit the U.S. Department of Commerce or the U.S. Department of the Treasury

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce; Bureau of Economic Analysis; U.S. Department of the Treasury