Data from greenfield investment monitor fDi Markets shows that FDI into New Zealand was down by nearly 50% in the period between January to August 2013, compared to the same period in 2012. New Zealand attracted 17 inward FDI projects between January 2013 to August 2013, while in the same period in 2012 it attracted 33 projects. It also experienced a 59% decrease in capital expenditure, recording only $423.5m of capital investment, and a 38% decrease in jobs created, with 1458 jobs created.

There has also been a shift in the leading source countries for FDI into New Zealand. Australia has dropped from top of the list in January to August 2012, when nine projects were recorded, to seventh in the list with only one project being recorded in January to August 2013. The US, though experiencing a 20% decrease in project numbers, came top of the table with five projects. Japan did not feature in the January to August period in 2012, but has accounted for three projects and $30m of capital expenditure in the same period in 2013.

Outward FDI from New Zealand has also decreased across the two time periods. In January to August 2012 there were 37 outward FDI projects recorded, while in January to August 2013 there were 28 projects recorded, a 24% decrease. Capital expenditure has also taken a hit, with a 63% decrease in investment in outward FDI, with only $419m being recorded in January to August 2013.