Global Business Alliance Releases New State-by-State Analysis

Global Business Alliance Releases New State-by-State Analysis

Latest U.S. government data show international companies created 80 percent of new U.S. manufacturing jobs over five-year period

WASHINGTON – The Global Business Alliance (formerly known as OFII) today released its latest state-by-state factsheets, which show recent trends in foreign direct investment flows into all 50 states, as well as a national trends analysis.

“As you will see, these factsheets detail the significant impact that international companies have made on state economies across the country by supporting local supply chains and small businesses, fueling American innovation, exporting American-made goods and driving sustainability leadership,” said Nancy McLernon, president and CEO of GBA. “For instance, we now know that international companies have created a staggering 80 percent of all new manufacturing jobs in the United States over the most recent five years of data released by BEA. Clearly, building back America’s economy is inextricably linked with strengthening our global connections with allies around the world.”

From 2013 to 2018 (latest available data), America’s FDI employment increased by 26 percent while the country’s overall private-sector employment grew by 10 percent.

“From the bluest of blue to the reddest of red states, this analysis shows that U.S. workers have benefited from international companies making a deliberate decision to invest in local communities across the country,” added Ms. McLernon. 

Here are a few key findings from this year’s analysis that have not been previously reported:

  • Most FDI Jobs: #1 California (845,400), #2 Texas (666,100), #3 New York (519,800), #4 Illinois (375,200), #5 Florida (358,700), #6 Pennsylvania (320,000), #7 Michigan (313,000), #8 Ohio (304,800), #9 New Jersey (290,800), #10 North Carolina (288,900).
  • Fastest FDI Job Growth: #1 Michigan (49.8% increase), #2 Tennessee (46.6% increase), #3 Missouri (43.5% increase), #4 Minnesota (42.9% increase), #5 Oregon (40.2% increase). These states led the nation in terms of the percent of jobs created at international companies from 2013-2018 (latest available data). The national average was 26.3 percent over this period.
  • Largest Concentration of FDI Workforce: #1 South Carolina, #2 Kentucky, #3 Michigan, #3 New Jersey, and #5 New Hampshire. International companies employ at least eight percent of the private-sector workforce in each of these states, a full two percentage points higher than the national average.
  • Largest Concentration of FDI Manufacturing Jobs: #1 South Dakota (66.4%), #2 Arkansas (65.8%), #3 Michigan (64.4%), #4 Iowa (58.2%), #5 Nebraska (58.0%). These five states lead the nation in terms of the percentage of FDI jobs in the manufacturing sector. On average, 36.3 percent of all FDI jobs in the United States are in manufacturing.

The Global Business Alliance’s analysis is built on data released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis in November 2020.  Find the full analysis at GlobalBusiness.org.

About the Global Business Alliance

As the premier voice of international companies in the United States, the Global Business Alliance (GBA) actively promotes and defends an open economy that welcomes international companies to invest in America. Our members are American companies with global heritage and an indispensable part of our nation’s economic success. When America is open for business, we all benefit. Learn more about how international companies are benefiting U.S. workers and communities by visiting www.globalbusiness.org.

###