Spain Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in spain, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Overview

Table: Spanish Foreign Direct Investment Position in the U.S.

Foreign Direct Investment Position

(USD millions)

2020202120222023 (estimate)
Spanish FDI in the United States*88,45080,34582,440n/a

Average Exchange Rate:

USD/EUR

1.1421.1831.0531.08

Revised 2023 figures. Next release July 2024

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

 

The United States continues to be a strategic destination for investment by Spanish firms. The July 2022 figures issued by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) show Spain as the 11th largest investor in the United States, on a historical cost basis-ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) basis. Spanish investment in the United States in 2022 was $80.4 billion (€74.8 billion), much of which has been invested by companies providing exceptional, cutting-edge technology. According to the BEA, U.S. affiliates of Spanish-owned firms employed more than 82,900 U.S. workers in 2021.

Leading Sub-Sectors

Spanish investors have been very successful in tapping into investment opportunities in the United States, particularly in financial services, software and 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 market entry tasks including setting up an office, understanding tax implications, determining legal requirements, or completing the visa process. 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 in specific industries.

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 (EDOs) 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

SelectUSA

Bureau of Economic Analysis

 

U.S. Commercial Service Spain

Business Services Specialist: Carmen Ribera 

Tel: (+34) 913 081 544

e-mail: carmen.ribera@trade.gov

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