Chinese companies have become net sellers of global assets this year for the first time since corporations from the country became big players in international mergers and acquisitions a decade ago.
The shift in status for Chinese groups — which have been prolific buyers of assets around the world in recent years — comes as economic growth in China slows to a 30-year low and trade tensions with the US begin to take a toll on manufacturers.
Chinese companies have agreed to sell about $40bn in overseas assets so far this year, up from $32bn for the whole of last year, according to data from Dealogic. At the same time, Chinese groups have bought just $35bn of overseas assets this year, making the country a global net seller.