China's Europe Investment Hits €16.8 Billion, Topping High-Income Economies for First Time
Updated
Updated · Nikkei Asia · May 20
China's Europe Investment Hits €16.8 Billion, Topping High-Income Economies for First Time
3 articles · Updated · Nikkei Asia · May 20
€16.8 billion of Chinese investment flowed into Europe in 2025, the highest since 2018 and enough to put Europe ahead of all other high-income economies as a destination for China's capital.
A 67% year-on-year rise was driven by stronger M&A and completed greenfield projects, with deals reaching €7.9 billion and greenfield investment €8.9 billion.
CATL's battery plant in Debrecen, Hungary, led ongoing projects, while Germany drew €2.5 billion and France €1.9 billion.
Chinese companies still favor exports over direct investment in Europe, with geopolitics, currency factors and domestic overcapacity limiting a broader rebound.
Europe's share of China's global FDI climbed to nearly one-quarter, underscoring the region's growing weight despite rising trade tensions.
Was 2025’s record Chinese investment a final boom before a coming regulatory ice age?
Facing dual pressure from Beijing and Brussels, what is China’s next strategic move in Europe?
As Brussels tightens rules on Chinese capital, can Europe's green transition succeed without it?