45% Firms Prioritise China As Top Investment Destination: AmCham South China
China continues to strengthen its position as a leading global investment hub, with 45% of surveyed companies ranking it as their top investment priority in 2026, according to a report by the American Chamber of Commerce in South China.
The findings, part of the chamber’s 2026 Special Report based on its 22nd annual State of Business in South China Study, mark a six-percentage-point increase from 2024. The study, released in Guangzhou, surveyed 426 companies.
Revenue trends further highlight China’s strategic importance. Around 37% of companies reported generating over 60% of their global revenue from the Chinese market, also up by six percentage points from two years ago.
Despite ongoing trade tensions, companies are maintaining a long-term commitment to the market. The report found that 95% of respondents plan to continue operations in China, with no companies indicating a full exit. While 28% have partially relocated investments, nearly 80% of those shifts accounted for less than 30% of their total investment.
Looking ahead, confidence remains strong. About 75% of companies surveyed plan to reinvest in China in 2026, with an estimated $13.79 billion earmarked for reinvestment over the next three to five years.
Harley Seyedin, Chairman and President of AmCham South China, said the data reflects “strategic resilience,” with companies continuing to deepen their engagement rather than withdraw. He highlighted China’s market scale, innovation ecosystem and long-term growth prospects as key drivers of sustained investment.
Business sentiment around US-China relations has also improved, with 39% of companies expressing a positive outlook up 14 percentage points from 2024. While firms still expect trade tensions to persist, many believe disruptions will be more manageable.
Regionally, Guangzhou retained its position as the top investment destination in China for the ninth consecutive year, chosen by 38% of respondents. Shenzhen followed at 29%, ahead of Shanghai (10%) and Beijing (5%).
The report underscores that, despite geopolitical uncertainties, China remains central to global business strategies, with companies continuing to invest, localise and expand within the market.
