As part of the ongoing Demystifying Chinese Investment in Australia series by series by KPMG and the University of Sydney, the 2026 report analyses Chinese overseas direct investment (ODI) into Australia for the 2025 calendar year.
Chinese investment into Australia declined for a second consecutive year. In 2025, Chinese ODI fell by 28 percent, from US$862 million in 2024 to US$623 million. In Australian dollar terms, investment declined by 27 percent, from AU$1.3 billion to AU$964 million. A total of 24 completed transactions were recorded during the year, placing 2025 among the third lowest annual investment levels since 2006.
The findings reinforce the ongoing structural shift in Chinese investment into Australia, characterised by smaller deal sizes, a reduced role for state owned enterprises and a growing emphasis on privately owned companies and greenfield investment.
Highlights of Chinese investment into Australia in 2025
The global context
Globally, foreign direct investment showed only a modest recovery in 2025 amid heightened geopolitical and policy uncertainty. While flows into developed economies increased, investment into developing markets softened, and activity remained uneven across sectors. Technology‑enabled infrastructure, energy transition assets and data‑related investments continued to attract capital.
China’s outbound direct investment slowed significantly in 2025 compared with prior years, though greenfield investment increased and continued to outpace mergers and acquisitions. Investment activity remained concentrated in Asia and other emerging markets, with Australia capturing a very small share of total Chinese ODI.
Against this backdrop, Chinese investment into Australia continues to evolve –from large‑scale equity acquisitions toward greenfield projects focused on market access, supply chains and distribution, particularly among smaller and privately owned enterprises.
Download: Demystifying Chinese Investment in Australia – all editions
Demystifying Chinese Investment – April 2026
Research on Chinese investment in Australia written collaboratively with the University of Sydney China Studies Centre.
Demystifying Chinese Investment in Australia – April 2024
Research on Chinese investment in Australia written collaboratively with the University of Sydney China Studies Centre.
Demystifying Chinese Investment in Australia – April 2023
Demystifying Chinese investment in Australia – April 2022
Demystifying Chinese Investment in Australia – June 2020
KPMG and The University of Sydney's report on Chinese investment into Australia in 2019.
Demystifying Chinese Investment in Australia - April 2019
Demystifying Chinese Investment in Australia
Demystifying Chinese Investment in Australian Healthcare – January 2018
Capitalising on China's healthcare reform
Demystifying Chinese Investment in Australia – June 2018 update
Chinese Investment in Australia
Demystifying Chinese Investment in Australia – May 2017
Outbound Chinese direct investment in australia
Demystifying Chinese Investment in Australia – April 2016
Demystifying Chinese Investment in Australia – April 2016
Demystifying Chinese investment in Australia - March 2015
Demystifying Chinese investment in Australia March 2015
Demystifying Chinese investment in Australia - March 2014
This report finds Chinese investment in Australia declined 10 percent during 2013 against an overall global increase in Chinese outbound investment.
Demystifying Chinese Investment in Australia: Chinese Investors in Australia Survey - November 2014
This report provides insights into the perceptions of the Australian investment climate by Chinese investors and the key challenges they face in Australia.
Demystifying Chinese Investment in Australian Agribusiness - October 2013
Demystifying Chinese Investment - August 2012
KPMG and The University of Sydney China Studies Centre’s review of Chinese strategies for direct investment in Australia.
Demystifying Chinese Investment in Australia: The Growing Tide - November 2011
Demystifying Chinese Investment in Australia: The Growing Tide
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