A decade-long upward trend in global investments was put on hold in 2002, with foreign direct investment by U.S. manufacturers plunging to an estimated US$23 billion — down 37 percent from $36 billion in 2001.

What caused such a drop? The aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, economic slowdown and recession in many parts of the world, the fading of the global merger and acquisition boom of the late 1990s, corporate accounting scandals, and war uncertainties undoubtedly contributed to the reduced overall investment levels — and lowered investment levels in each global region.

This study by Deloitte Research shows, however, that the results by industry sector are quite varied, with overseas investments in some areas — such as food, chemicals, electronics and pharmaceuticals — gaining momentum as others dwindled. Learn more from the PDF file attachment below.

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