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Chinese greenfield investment in Europe reaches new record, newspaper reports - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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Chinese greenfield investment in Europe reaches new record, newspaper reports

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on May 18, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: May 18, 2026

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Chinese Greenfield Investment in Europe Hits Record €9B in 2025, Reports Say

Record-Breaking Chinese Investments and Sector Focus in Europe

Overview of Chinese Investment Growth

BERLIN, May 18 (Reuters) - Chinese investment in Europe reached a new record in 2025, with more factories being built than ever before, German business daily Handelsblatt reported on Monday.

Greenfield Investment Surge

Greenfield investment - where foreign investors build new production facilities rather than buy existing companies - reached nearly 9 billion euros ($10.49 billion), up 51% compared to 2024, the report said, citing a study by think tanks Merics and Rhodium Group.

Direct Investment Statistics

Chinese direct investment amounted to 16.8 billion euros in 2025, up 67% year-on-year, reaching the highest level since 2018, the study found.

Sectoral Breakdown

Automotive Industry Focus

Europe's automotive industry was a main focus, with investments in that sector totalling 7.6 billion euros, 93% of which focused on supply chains for electric vehicles.

Exchange Rate Information

($1 = 0.8583 euros)

(Reporting by Rachel More; Editing by Tasim Zahid)

Key Takeaways

  • Greenfield investment in Europe by Chinese firms reached around €9 billion in 2025, up 51 % from 2024, setting a new record, per Handelsblatt citing Merics and Rhodium Group.
  • Total Chinese direct investment in Europe amounted to €16.8 billion in 2025—a 67 % increase from 2024—marking the highest level since 2018.
  • The automotive sector, particularly EV supply‑chain projects, accounted for the bulk of greenfield activity—€7.6 billion, with 93 % focused on electric‑vehicle components.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did Chinese greenfield investment in Europe reach in 2025?
Chinese greenfield investment in Europe reached nearly 9 billion euros ($10.49 billion) in 2025.
What is greenfield investment?
Greenfield investment refers to when foreign investors build new production facilities rather than purchasing existing companies.
Which European sector received the most Chinese investment in 2025?
Europe's automotive industry was the main sector, receiving 7.6 billion euros, with 93% focused on electric vehicle supply chains.
How much did overall Chinese direct investment in Europe grow year-on-year?
Chinese direct investment amounted to 16.8 billion euros in 2025, up 67% compared to the previous year.
Who conducted the study on Chinese investment in Europe?
The study was conducted by the think tanks Merics and Rhodium Group and cited by Handelsblatt.

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