The Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA) reported that total global orders for Japanese machine tools in February 2025 reached 118.198 billion yen (approx. USD 801.03 million), marking a 1.8% increase from January. This represents the first month-on-month growth in two months. Compared to the same month last year, orders rose 3.5%, continuing year-on-year growth for the fifth consecutive month.

Despite the recovery, total orders remained below the 120 billion yen mark for the second month in a row, staying at a similar level to the same month last year. This indicates that the overall trend remains relatively flat.

Although orders in February increased both month-on-month and year-on-year, as seen in the previous month, there were still notable differences depending on industry sectors, countries, and regions. This highlights the need for close monitoring of future trends.

Domestic orders in Japan - February 2025

Domestic orders rose 5.5% over January to 33.767 billion yen (approx. USD 228.84 million), marking the first month-on-month growth in two months. Compared to the same month last year, domestic orders also increased by 3.8%, continuing year-on-year growth for the fourth consecutive month.

By industry sector, compared to January; 

• Automotive industry: +17.0%
• Industrial machinery: +5.8%
• Electronics & precision machinery: -25.2%
• Aerospace, shipbuilding & transport equipment: +105.5%

Overseas orders - February 2025

Foreign orders edged up by 0.3% from January to 84.431 billion yen (approx. USD 572.19 million), also marking the first month-on-month growth in two months. Year-on-year, foreign orders rose 3.4%, continuing the growth streak for the fifth straight month.

By region:

• Asia: Orders fell 8.2% from January to 41.108 billion yen (approx. USD 278.59 million), but increased 12.9% year-on-year.
  • China: Down 3.3% from January to 26.684 billion yen (approx. USD 180.84 million)
  • India: Down 35.8% from January to 5.388 billion yen (approx. USD 36.51 million)
  • Thailand: Up 6.4% from January to 1.125 billion yen (approx. USD 7.62 million), but down 17.0% year-on-year
• Europe: Orders rose 16.7% from January to 15.422 billion yen (approx. USD 104.51 million), but fell 10.0% compared to last year.
• North America:  Orders increased 6.6% from January to 25.742 billion yen (approx. USD 174.45 million), up 0.4% year-on-year.
  • United States: Orders jumped 10.9% from January to 23.026 billion yen (approx. USD 156.05 million)

Read more: Japan Machine Tool Orders: January 2025