Statistical Databases: OECD International Direct Investment Statistics Online Database

OECD International Direct Investment Statistics Online Database

The International Direct Investment Statistics database gathers detailed statistics on foreign direct investment (FDI) to and from the OECD area and draws upon a database developed by the Investment Division. Statistics are collected regularly through a detailed questionnaire. The objective is to provide a reliable and comprehensive source of information to OECD governments, potential investors and to the public at large. This series provides the basis for analyses of direct investment trends and for regular examinations of international direct investment policies in OECD Member countries.

The Statistics are based, for the most part, on balance of payments and international investment position statistics compiled and published by Central Banks or Statistical Offices as well as on other sources such as FDI notifications or approvals. Although FDI statistics are presented according to a standardised format for all Member countries, there are limitations in data comparability due to differences in national definitions. For example, comparability of FDI data may be hampered by the fact that reinvested earnings are not included in data for several countries. Comparability is also affected by differences in industrial classifications and geographical breakdowns. Methodological notes, reviewed by national statistical experts, provide information on the definitions applied and help to improve data comparability. Efforts to harmonise further FDI data collection across OECD countries are based on the recommendations of the OECD Benchmark Definition of Foreign Direct Investment, third edition. The Report on the Survey of Implementation of Methodological Standards for Direct Investment provides further details on data collection and dissemination and the statistical methodology.

The database is organised in two broad categories of statistics:

• Country tables provide detailed statistics for reporting countries,
  • Direct investment by industrial sector with a breakdown for inflows, outflows, inward positions, and outward positions. Time coverage is 1980 onwards.
  • Direct investment by country with a breakdown for inflows, outflows, inward positions, and outward positions. Time coverage is 1980 onwards.
    
• Summary tables provide comparative information for the OECD area.
  • Comparative information for the OECD area with a breakdown for inflows, outflows, inward positions, and outward positions. Time coverage is 1980 onwards for direct investment flows and 1980 onwards for direct investment positions.
  • Exchange rate tables providing yearly average exchange rates as well as end of period exchange rates for the time period 1980 onwards.

All data are annual and based on the calendar year, unless otherwise indicated. Monetary values are provided in US dollars and national currencies.

Also, visit the OECD Financial Statistics web site for more information