China’s Jan–Sep Foreign Investment Falls 4.3% to RMB 548.8 Billion; High-Tech Up 33.8%

China’s Ministry of Commerce reported actual foreign investment used in January–September at RMB 548.81 billion, down 4.3% year on year, though September alone rose 2.5%. High-tech industries grew 33.8%, and investment from Korea rose 6.8%.

By FOCUS BUSINESS editorial staff

These are the January–September foreign investment figures released by the Ministry of Commerce on Oct. 22. The ministry’s data include investment routed through free ports.

Key points of the release

Actual foreign investment used nationwide came to RMB 548.81 billion, down 4.3% from a year earlier. New foreign-invested enterprises numbered 47,800, down 2.3%. September alone, however, saw actual foreign investment rise 2.5% year on year. By sector, manufacturing accounted for RMB 131.94 billion and services for RMB 404.81 billion.

High-tech sectors and investor countries

High-tech industries attracted RMB 228.53 billion, up 33.8%, or 41.6% of the national total, 11.9 percentage points higher than a year earlier. Technology-transfer services rose 76.8%, R&D and design services 59.2%, and electronics and communications equipment manufacturing 32.8%.

By source, investment from Canada rose 90.5%, France 31.8%, Switzerland 26%, the United States 7.7% and South Korea 6.8%. Korea’s growth rate is among the lower ones listed, but it kept growing while total foreign investment declined.

Business Checkpoints

Korean companies with entities or factories in China may note that foreign capital is concentrating in high-tech and services. Local-government investment incentives often target these fields, so firms considering capital increases or new investment can ask their local commerce bureau whether their business falls within the supported categories.

The data show only national totals and growth by source country, not conditions in specific regions such as Tianjin or particular industries. Incentive terms vary by place and time, so check local notices directly.

※ This article is based on figures released by China’s Ministry of Commerce and reports by China News Service (2026-10-22) and other media.