(Yicai) April 25 -- Nearly half of the American business community in China rank the country among their top three global investment destinations, although the proportion considering it their number one target has declined, according to the latest white paper from the American Chamber of Commerce in China.

Although 49 percent of companies still consider China among their top three global investment destinations, the percentage of those naming China as their primary investment target has dropped by 6 percentage points compared with 2024, according to the report released today.

The local business environment is becoming more welcoming. When asked about their perception of China’s investment environment, 33 percent of member companies reported an improvement, up 5 percentage points from the previous year.

Most AmCham China member companies view a constructive US-China relationship as vital to their business operations, with 95 percent of those in the tech research and development sector agreeing, according to the white paper.

The non-governmental organization asserts that a stable and constructive US-China relationship, with economic and trade ties at its core, remains crucial to the prosperity of both nations and the world. AmCham China suggested that US policies must avoid unnecessary harm to businesses dependent on integrated supply chains. Excessive de-risking, aggressive financial decoupling, or higher tariffs could disrupt global trade systems and increase uncertainty, it added.

Local Opportunities 

Despite complex geopolitical dynamics, China’s vast and resilient market remains an indispensable growth engine for US firms, Kou Zhun, assistant researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Ministry of Commerce, said to Yicai. US companies continue to show strong intent to leverage the Chinese market, with sales in China continuing to grow, Kou added.

Representatives of foreign-invested companies who participated in a recent roundtable discussion, chaired by Vice Commerce Minister Ling Ji, addressed the impacts of US tariff hikes on their local operations.

Despite facing a complex external environment, the representatives agreed that the Chinese government has consistently prioritized addressing the challenges encountered by foreign-funded enterprises in their local development, according to a statement from the commerce ministry. 

The participants recognized China’s commitment to expanding its openness and maintaining consistent, stable, and predictable foreign investment policies.

The representatives expressed confidence in China’s market environment, affirmed their willingness to continue investing in the country, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and jointly address global challenges, the ministry's report added.

Editor: Emmi Laine