Japan’s Machine Tool Orders in January: Preliminary Figures are 88.6 Billion Yen

February 10, 2021

On February 9, 2021, Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA) announced preliminary figures of Japanese machine tool orders in January. The order amount was 88.6 billion yen, down 10.5% from the previous month. Domestic order was down 10.9% month-on-month to 26.3 billion yen, and foreign order was 62.2 billion yen, down 7.4% from previous month.

The total amount of orders decreased from the previous month for the first time in 3 months. The total amount of orders fell below 90 billion yen for the first time in two months, but exceeded 85 billion yen for the third consecutive month. Foreign orders are recovering.

Domestic order decreased month-on-month for the first time in two months, and decreased year-on-year for 26 consecutive months. Due to the spread of COVID-19, the Japanese government issued a state of emergency in January. Demand seems to be stagnant again, though not as much as in April and May 2020, when the state of emergency was also declared. Foreign orders decreased from the previous month for the first time in 3 months. However, foreign demand has exceeded 60 billion yen for three consecutive months. China is on a recovery trend.

JMTBA will announce the accurate figures of Japanese machine tool orders in January on February 18.