What American Companies Are Owned by China?

A Guide (2025)

Introduction

Chinese investment in the United States has led to several high-profile acquisitions of American companies over the past decade. These deals span a wide range of industries, including food production, technology, manufacturing, and entertainment. This article explores the most notable American companies now under Chinese ownership, the trends behind these acquisitions, and the implications for the U.S. economy.

Major American Companies Owned by Chinese Firms

1- Smithfield Foods

Industry: Food Processing (Pork)
Acquired By: WH Group (formerly Shuanghui International)
Year: 2013
Details: This $4.7 billion deal included more than 146,000 acres of U.S. farmland. Smithfield remains headquartered in Virginia but is fully owned by a Chinese conglomerate12.

2- GE Appliances

Industry: Home Appliances
Acquired By: Haier Group
Year: 2016
Details: Haier, a leading Chinese appliance manufacturer, bought GE Appliances for $5.4 billion to expand its global reach. The brand and its U.S. operations remain, but ownership is now Chinese1 23.

3- Motorola Nobility

: Technology (Mobile Phones)
: Lenovo
: 2014
: Lenovo, China’s largest PC maker, acquired Motorola Mobility from Google for $2.91 billion, gaining access to decades of U.S. mobile innovation2.

4- AMC Theaters

: Entertainment (Movie Theaters)
: Dalian Wanda Group
: 2012
: Wanda Group purchased AMC for $2.6 billion, making it the world’s largest cinema chain operator for several years. Wanda has since reduced its stake but retains significant influence2.

5- Legendary Entertainment

: Entertainment (Film Production)
: Dalian Wanda Group
: 2016
: The $3.5 billion acquisition brought Hollywood blockbuster production under Chinese ownership, although Wanda has since divested some interests2.

6.

: Technology distributor, acquired by HNA Group in 2016 for $6 billion.
: Owner of luxury properties (including the Waldorf Astoria), acquired by Anbang Insurance Group in 2016 (Anbang later faced regulatory issues).
: While not a full acquisition, Chinese investors have significant stakes in this mobile technology firm.

Company Name	Industry	Chinese Owner	Year Acquired	Notable Details
Smithfield Foods	Food Processing	WH Group	2013	Largest pork producer; farmland included
GE Appliances	Home Appliances	Haier Group	2016	Iconic U.S. brand, now Chinese-owned
Motorola Mobility	Technology	Lenovo	2014	Mobile phone pioneer
AMC Theatres	Entertainment	Dalian Wanda Group	2012	World’s largest cinema chain
Legendary Entertainment	Film Production	Dalian Wanda Group	2016	Hollywood studio, blockbuster films
Ingram Micro	Tech Distribution	HNA Group	2016	Major tech distributor
Strategic Hotels & Resorts	Hospitality	Anbang Insurance Group	2016	Luxury hotel properties

: Acquiring established U.S. brands gives Chinese firms immediate access to the American market and global distribution networks.
: Many American brands have strong reputations and customer loyalty, which Chinese owners leverage for international growth.
: U.S. companies often possess advanced technology and management expertise.
: Chinese companies seek to diversify their portfolios and reduce reliance on the domestic market.

: U.S. regulators have tightened rules on foreign investment, especially in sensitive sectors like technology and infrastructure, due to national security concerns4.
: While large-scale acquisitions have slowed since 2018 due to regulatory pressure and trade tensions, Chinese investment continues in less sensitive sectors5.
: In some cases, Chinese companies hold significant minority stakes or act as major investors rather than outright owners.

No. Many iconic brands (e.g., Levi’s, L.L.Bean, Radio Flyer) manufacture in China but remain American-owned6. Ownership and manufacturing location are distinct.

As of March 2025, there were 286 Chinese companies listed on U.S. exchanges, with a total market capitalization of $1.1 trillion78. This is different from Chinese ownership of American companies.

Major acquisitions peaked in the early-to-mid 2010s but have slowed due to regulatory scrutiny and trade tensions. However, Chinese firms still own or control several major U.S. companies, and investment continues in select sectors5.

Conclusion

Chinese ownership of American companies is a significant aspect of the globalized economy. While it has brought investment and jobs, it has also sparked debate about national security, economic influence, and the future of U.S. industries. The landscape continues to evolve as both countries adjust policies and respond to shifting global dynamics.