Overview

Revised 2020 figures. Next release July 2022

Units: USD millions.  *By Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO)
Source: SelectUSA / U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

The United States continues to be a strategic destination for investment by Spanish firms. The July 2020 figures issued by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) show Spain as the 10th largest investor in the United States, on a historical cost basis-ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) basis. Spanish investment in the United States in 2020 was USD 88.6 billion, much of which has been invested by companies providing exceptional, cutting-edge technology. According to the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, the United States is the second most popular destination for Spanish FDI in terms of accumulated stock and ranked third in terms of investment flow in 2020. According to the BEA, U.S. affiliates of Spanish-owned firm employed more than 92,000 U.S. workers in 2019.

Leading Sub-Sectors

Spanish investors have been very successful in tapping into investment opportunities in the United States, particularly in financial services, software & IT services, business services, renewable energy, communication, and industrial equipment. Many of these companies bring with them new products, new technology, and, in many cases, new business models. The success enjoyed by these companies is attracting the interest of second-tier Spanish company investors, many of which are key suppliers to the leading Spanish multinationals. 

Opportunities

The U.S. Commercial Service receives many inquiries from Spanish companies about establishing contacts with U.S. companies that can help with certain tasks including setting up an office, understanding tax implications and legal requirements, or preparing visa applications. Business and site selection consultants are also sought to help with business plan development, labor legislation, and specialized human resources. There is also demand for specialized consultants who can identify partners for the development of alliances in specific areas.

As such, business opportunities exist for U.S. service companies such as attorneys, accountants, consultants, and engineers that can offer their services to the Spanish investors and companies expanding in the United States.  Opportunities also exist for state and regional Economic Development Offices to conduct outreach activities to promote the advantages of investing in their respective states.

SelectUSA is a U.S. government-wide program led by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Its mission is to facilitate job-creating business investment into the United States and raise awareness of the critical role that economic development plays in the U.S. economy. SelectUSA assists U.S. economic development organizations to compete globally for investment by providing information, a platform for international marketing, and high-level advocacy. It also helps companies of all sizes find the information they need to make decisions, connect to the right people at the local level, and navigate the federal regulatory system. Please contact Helen Crowley at Helen.Crowley@trade.gov for any further information concerning this event.

Resources

Spanish Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism

SelectUSA

Bureau of Economic Analysis

U.S. Commercial Service Spain

Business Services Specialist: Carmen Ribera 

Tel: +34 91 308 1544

e-mail: carmen.ribera@trade.gov