By Casey Hall
SHANGHAI (Reuters) - U.S. businesses operating in China are increasingly pessimistic about their prospects in the world's second-largest economy, according to a survey released Wednesday by the American Chamber of Commerce in China.
For the first time in the 25-year history of AmCham China's business sentiment survey, a majority of responding companies said China is no longer seen as a "top three investment priority".
Most said they were revising China investment plans to invest the same or less overall in the country, though the vast majority also reported no plans to relocate their operations out of China completely.
"Last year was particularly challenging for our member companies, as they dealt with China's economic slowdown, COVID control measures, and ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with various new US and China-related regulations," said AmCham China Chairman Colm Rafferty.
Rising U.S.-China tensions remain the top business challenge, cited by 66% of respondents, while 65% of members said they were "unsure or uncertain" that China will further open to foreign investment.
Almost half of the American businesses surveyed said they feel less welcome in China than they did a year ago.