December MT preliminary report, first YoY increase in 3 months

January 20, 2023

Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA) announced preliminary machine tool orders for December 2022, with a total amount of 140.5 billion yen. This marks an increase in both month-on-month (MoM) and year-on-year (YoY) totals for the first time in three months, and exceeds 140 billion yen for the first time in two months.

Domestic demand saw a decline of 7.3% from the previous month, at 42.3 billion yen. This marks the first MoM decline in two months and the fourth consecutive YoY decline, falling below 50 billion yen for the third consecutive month. December’s orders were expected to be boosted by the 31st Japan International Machine Tool Fair (JIMTOF2022) effect, but the results were rather lacking in strength.

Foreign demand saw an increase of 11% from the previous month to 98.2 billion yen, with both MoM and YoY demand increasing for the first time in three months. This marks the 11th highest single month on record, exceeding 95 billion yen for the first time in two months. Further details on December orders, including country/region specific order values, will be announced on January 26 when the final report is released.