Foreign-owned businesses make a significant contribution to the Australian economy.

Funded jointly by DFAT and Austrade, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released a new study on the economic impact of foreign-owned businesses in Australia. The new study provides key economic facts on the contribution to the Australian economy of foreign-owned businesses such as: number of businesses, value of assets, profit and sales, as well as the level of employment. Information is cross-classified by country of ownership and industry.

Article - Foreign owned businesses in Australia

Revised: November 2018

This article examines the new ABS study in detail looking at the contribution of both foreign and Australian-owned businesses. The article also provides a 'pictorial' picture using a wide range of charts to illustrate the key trends.

Article - Foreign owned businesses in Australia [PDF 1.2 MB]

Key summary fact sheets

Foreign Direct Investment (10% or greater foreign equity)

Foreign direct investment [PDF]

Majority-owned businesses (greater than 50% foreign equity)

Australia [PDF]

Comparison fact sheet (2000-01 vs 2014-15)

Comparison fact sheet (2000-01 vs 2014-15) [PDF]

More information

• Austrade economic analysis - Economic activity of foreign-owned businesses in Australia 2014-15
• Austrade data visualisation - Investment, creating more opportunities for all Australians
• ABS catalogue 5494.0 - Economic Activity of Foreign-owned Businesses in Australia, 2014-15