MT Orders in August totaled 125.9 billion yen, with strong U.S. orders

Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA) announced on September 21, 2021, the confirmed figures of Japan’s machine tool orders in August.

The total orders were 125.9 billion yen, up 85.2% from the same month last year and down 6.7% from the previous month. Total orders decreased for the first time in three months, as both domestic and foreign demand decreased from the previous month due to the summer vacation.

Domestic demand increased 93.2% year-on-year and decreased 1.8% month-on-month to 44.5 billion yen. Domestic demand was affected by the summer vacation and the spread of the COVID-19 infection, but was supported by orders, for which companies use subsidies. By industry, seven of the 11 industries increase month-over-month, and all industries increase year-over-year. In particular, demand related to semiconductor manufacturing equipment was brisk.

Foreign demand increased 81.1% year-on year and decreased 9.2% month-on-month to 81.3 billion yen. Although month-on-month decreased, year-on-year increased for the 10th consecutive month, maintaining a high level of orders. By region, orders in China fell below 25 billion yen for the first time in nine months. India is on a recovery track, but the Southeast Asian region is weakening due to the impact of the spread of COVID-19 infections. Sales in Europe decreased from the previous month, but exceeded 17 billion yen for the fourth consecutive month. Orders in North America increased from the previous month and exceeded 20 billion yen for the fourth consecutive month. In particular, orders from the U.S. exceeded 22 billion yen for the second consecutive month, a high level approaching the record high of 2018.

The JMTBA is scheduled to release preliminary figures of September orders on October 11.