Global Overseas Investment Rose by 15%, But Did New Factories Increase Too?

News that foreign direct investment (FDI) has increased creates the impression that factories, jobs, and purchasing demand in overseas markets are growing together. However, an increase in cross-border investment capital and the creation of new business sites are not the same phenomenon. According to 'FDI in Figures' published by the OECD in April 2026, global foreign direct investment flows reached $1.66 trillion in 2025, a 15% increase from the previous year. Excluding large fluctuations in certain European economies, the growth rate was 6%. The reason for the significant discrepancy is that investment statistics include various types of capital movements. Furthermore, an analysis released by the OECD on September 8, 2026, highlighted the trend of international investment concentrating in strategic sectors such as digital infrastructure, AI, semiconductors, and critical minerals. Even…