Donald Trump’s re-election as President of the United States could lead to a significant shift in Chinese investment, with a potential $33 billion “up for grabs” for the UK, according to leading UK-based venture capital firm Fuel Ventures.
The firm believes that the changing dynamics in US leadership will encourage Chinese investors to look beyond the American market.
Based on data from Trump’s first presidency, Fuel Ventures predicts that Chinese investment lost in the US could be redirected towards the UK. During Trump’s initial term, Chinese investment in the US saw sharp declines—dropping 36% in his first year and a further 83% the following year, according to Statista. Fuel Ventures projects that if similar patterns emerge, Chinese investment in the US could fall from $28 billion in 2023 to just $10 billion in 2025, with a further drop to $3 billion thereafter.
Mark Pearson, Founder of Fuel Ventures, commented: “Trump’s re-election means Chinese investors are looking elsewhere for opportunities outside of the US market. We predict around $33 billion is up for grabs from Chinese companies in the coming years, and the UK stands to benefit as a hub of tech talent and innovation. We’ve already seen increased interest from major Chinese investors looking to redirect funds to the UK since Trump’s re-election.”
Jing Jing Xu, Managing Director at Fuel Ventures Asia, emphasised the growing attractiveness of the UK for Chinese investors: “The quality of UK technology and innovation stands out globally, offering consistent growth opportunities compared to other markets. The UK has also seen an 80% rise in Chinese students studying here over the past decade, driven by the country’s world-renowned universities and secondary schools.”
She added: “The UK represents a bridge to Western markets, offering reliability, sophistication, and long-term potential for Chinese investors. The appeal of UK education, lifestyle, and cultural ties to Europe strengthens this position.”
Jing also highlighted a recent meeting with the Deputy Mayor of Beijing, who expressed a strong desire to bring advanced technology into China. “We are pleased to have successfully established a relationship with both the Mayor and the Chinese government, creating new collaboration opportunities through our latest round of investments.”
The potential shift in Chinese investment presents a significant opportunity for the UK, particularly in tech and education sectors, as it adapts to new international trade dynamics amid the evolving US-China relations.