Iceland FDI Inflows
Foreign direct investment, net inflows as % of GDP BX.KLT.DINV.WD.GD.ZS
Iceland's fdi inflows was 11.86% in 2025, ranked 15th globally. This represents a 46.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Iceland's fdi inflows stood at 11.86% in 2025, a rise of +3.74% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 11.86% by 2025. Iceland ranked 15th globally.
Iceland's foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, as reported by the World Bank, reached 11.86 percent of GDP in 2025, ranking the country 15th globally and placing it in proximity to peer nations such as Bahrain, with 11.68 percent. Over a 56-year period from 1970 to 2025, FDI inflows have fluctuated significantly, beginning at 0.83 percent and peaking dramatically in 2007 at 31.29 percent during the pre-financial crisis economic expansion. The sharpest contraction followed in the aftermath of the global financial downturn, culminating in a historic trough of -27.93 percent in 2017, reflecting both external investor retrenchment and domestic economic recalibration. While the rebound to 11.86 percent by 2025 suggests renewed investor interest, likely supported by Iceland's strategic position and renewable energy advantages, the trajectory remains sensitive to global financial conditions and regulatory shifts. Sustained recovery will depend on macroeconomic stability and targeted policies to attract long-term investment in sectors beyond natural resources.
Data & projection
| Year | FDI Inflows | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 17.59% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 14.73% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 11.86% | - | - |
| 2025 | 11.86% | +3.74% | #15 |
| 2024 | 8.12% | +2.16% | #25 |
| 2023 | 5.96% | +1.22% | #37 |
| 2022 | 4.74% | +3.21% | #50 |
| 2021 | 1.53% | +5.52% | #138 |
| 2020 | -3.99% | −1.76% | #184 |
| 2019 | -2.23% | +0.11% | #186 |
| 2018 | -2.33% | +25.60% | #182 |
| 2017 | -27.93% | −22.88% | #192 |
| 2016 | -5.06% | −11.53% | #191 |
| 2015 | 6.47% | +2.23% | #43 |
| 2014 | 4.25% | +1.34% | #61 |
| 2013 | 2.91% | −3.94% | #104 |
| 2012 | 6.85% | −0.34% | #51 |
| 2011 | 7.19% | +5.35% | #46 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Iceland matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2016. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw fdi inflows improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Iceland's fdi inflows was 11.86% in 2025. Ranked 15th globally. This represents a 46.1% increase from the previous year.
Iceland's fdi inflows peaked at 31.29% in 2007.
The lowest fdi inflows in Iceland was -27.93% in 2017.
Iceland ranks 15th globally in fdi inflows as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is BX.KLT.DINV.WD.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Iceland's fdi inflows is projected to reach 11.86% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The fdi inflows of Iceland in 2025 was 11.86%. This ranks 15th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_iceland_fdi-inflows,
title = {Iceland FDI Inflows},
url = {https://historysaid.com/iceland/fdi-inflows/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}