Spain - Business Investment ServicesSpain - Business Investment Services
Overview
United States – Spain Bilateral FDI Unit: USD millions
| Foreign Direct Investment Position | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 (estimated) | 2019 (estimated) |
| U.S. FDI in Spain * | 66,309* | 70,520 | 78,450 | 82,650 |
| Spanish FDI in the U.S. | 68,897 | 74,716 | 79,132 | 82, 383 |
| Foreign Direct Investment Flows | ||||
| U.S. FDI in Spain * | 6,221 | 4,212 | 7,930 | 4,200 |
| Spanish FDI in the U.S. | 1,548 | 5,819 | 4,194 | 3,251* |
| Exchange rate – Euro 1: USD 1 | 1.1069 | 1.1297 | 1.1810 | 1.14 |
(Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis/SelectUSA
*Spanish Ministry of Economy, statistics published as of July 2018)
The United States continues to be a strategic destination for investment by Spanish firms. Spain is the 11th largest investor in the United States, based on country of ultimate ownership. Spanish investment in the United States in 2017 was USD 74.7 billion, much of which has been invested by companies providing top-notch, cutting-edge technology. According to the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, the United States is the number one destination for Spanish FDI in terms of accumulated stock and ranked third in terms of investment flows in 2018. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. affiliates of Spanish- owned firms employed more than 80,600 U.S. workers in 2016, while Spanish sources placed the figure at 104,000.
Leading Sub-Sectors
Spanish investors have been very successful in tapping into investment opportunities in the United States, particularly in equipment machinery, energy (conventional and alternative), construction, automotive sector, textiles, financial service, software & IT services, business services, and consumer products. 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.
The U.S. Commercial Service receives many inquiries from Spanish companies about establishing contacts with U.S. companies that can provide assistance with 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 specialized demand for consultants who can identify partners for the development of alliances in specific areas.
Opportunities
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 U.S.
Opportunities also exist for state 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.
Web Resources
SelectUSA
Spanish Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism
Spanish Ministry of Economy and Business
U.S. Commercial Service Spain:
Business Services Specialist: Carmen Ribera
Tel: +34 91 308 1544
e-mail: carmen.ribera@trade.gov