Investment Survey 2025 - United States (European Investment Bank)

Summary

• The net share of US firms expecting to increase investment dropped to 5%, down from 10% in EIBIS 2024.p.7
• US firms allocated 66% of their investments in the last financial year to tangible assets.p.7
• Innovation investment was carried out by 53% of US firms compared to 32% of firms in the EU.p.8
• Availability of skilled staff remained the leading obstacle to investment, cited by 81% of US firms.p.8
• Internal sources financed 72% of US firm investments, while external finance accounted for 24%.p.8
• The proportion of financially constrained US firms stood at 8.3% in EIBIS 2025 compared to 6.1% in the EU.p.8

Key insights

1. US firms prioritize capacity expansion over the next three years at 37%, exceeding the EU benchmark of 26%.p.7
2. To adapt to trade shocks, 39% of US importing firms diversified sourcing countries and 29% reduced imported goods or services.p.8
3. While 64% of US firms faced physical climate risks, only 19% invested in renewable energy compared to 51% in the EU.p.8
4. Generative AI tools are used by 36% of US firms, with 84% applying them to internal processes.p.8
5. Among US firms using external finance, 22% reported dissatisfaction with the cost of borrowing compared to 15% in the EU.p.8
6. Only 5% of US firms benefited from bank finance with favourable terms, compared to 11% in the EU.p.8