According to the CBI’s annual Sterling Assets report, the UK remains the largest single foreign investor in the USA.

It invested a total of $449 billion in the USA in 2014 — $76 billion more than the next largest investor, Japan, and nearly $200 billion more than the USA’s neighbour, Canada. The UK also remains the largest foreign investor in the US manufacturing sector, investing $180 billion in 2014.

This represents 15% share of the $2.9 trillion of foreign direct investment (FDI) in America. Indian and Chinese investment was much smaller – combined, it did not even approach 1% of FDI into the USA.

CBI international director Ben Digby said: “Over 70 years since Sir Winston Churchill coined his iconic phrase, it’s really encouraging to see the economic ‘special relationship’ between the UK and the USA continuing to go from strength to strength. The UK weighs in yet again as the largest foreign investor in America, while British companies support over a million jobs in the States, stretching from Alaska to Maine.

“However, even the strongest and most enduring relationships need close care and attention. Following the UK’s decision to leave the European Union, and with the USA heading to the polls to elect a new President, we need to do
everything we can to make it easier to trade, invest and drive prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic, so it’s great to hear the recent announcement of three new Government Offices across America.

“A clear strategy will be needed to boost trade with partners old and new across the globe. Markets should be carefully prioritised — in consultation with business — to lay the foundations for deep and comprehensive
future trade and investment relationships, and the USA must be at the top of that list.”