Over the past decades, the U.S. and to a substantial degree its Southeastern states have been the beneficiaries of significant foreign direct investment (FDI), which have revived certain rural areas and created economically thriving communities. In Georgia, FDI has been instrumental in developing various industries, such as automotive and manufacturing in general. In particular, the Atlanta area has seen instrumental growth with numerous multinational businesses locating their headquarters in the most populous city in the state.

Based on data reported by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, at its peak in 2015, FDI to acquire, establish or expand U.S. businesses totaled $439.5 billion. Over the past two years, expenditures by foreign direct investors to the U.S. have declined to $379.7 billion in 2016 and $259.6 billion in 2017. As in previous years, the largest share, about 40 percent, of FDI can be attributed to the manufacturing sector. The largest individual investing country is the U.S.’ northern neighbor, Canada, with expenditures of $66.2 billion.