Global foreign direct investment (FDI) rose by 6% in 2025 compared with the previous year, reaching $1.6 trillion. This is stated in the annual World Investment Report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

According to the organization’s estimates, investment inflows into developed economies increased by 11%, while those into developing countries rose by only 2%. It is noted that the growth in investment activity was driven mainly by several large-scale projects, primarily in the development of AI infrastructure. Significant investment volumes were also directed toward semiconductor manufacturing, the oil and gas sector, and projects related to critical minerals.

UNCTAD experts explain that in most other industries, investment activity remained subdued. According to the report’s findings, the recovery of global investment flows “remains fragile” and is accompanied by increasing concentration across countries and sectors of the economy. The organization warns that the investment outlook for 2026 is clouded by persistent uncertainty in global trade, geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and high financing costs.