November 2023 MT orders total JPY 115.8 billion; Domestic demand down, foreign demand solid

December 27, 2023

The Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA) announced the firm value of machine tool orders for November 2023. Orders totaled 115.8 billion yen. This was the first month-on-month (MoM) increase in two months and the 11th consecutive month of year-on-year (YoY) decline, falling below 120 billion yen for the second consecutive month. While domestic demand has been on a gradual downward trend, foreign demand has been firm, especially in Europe and the United States. Total orders exceeded 100 billion yen for the 34th consecutive month.

Domestic demand fell to 32.6 billion yen, the second consecutive MoM decline and the 15th consecutive YoY decline, and fell below 35 billion yen for the second consecutive month. For the second consecutive month, domestic demand reached its lowest level this year.

Among the 11 industries, 8 industries showed a decline both month-on-month and YoY. Demand in general continues to lack momentum, especially in the automobile industry, where demand is stagnant, and in the general machinery industry, where demand lacks momentum.

Foreign demand was 83.2 billion yen, the first MoM increase in two months and the 11th consecutive YoY decrease, and exceeded 80 billion yen for the first time in two months.

Orders by region were as follows: Orders from Asia increased month-on-month in South Korea, China, India and other regions. China in particular showed solid activity, exceeding 20 billion yen for the first time in six months. As a result, the Asian total exceeded 30 billion yen for the fourth consecutive month. Orders from Europe exceeded 20 billion yen for the first time in two months, with Germany exceeding 5 billion yen for the first time in five months and increases in the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Orders from North America exceeded 25 billion yen for the third consecutive month, as countries in the region were generally stable.

November Summary

	Amount (million yen)	MoM change (%)	YoY change (%)
Total Orders	115,899	103.4	86.4
Domestic total	32,696	97.2	71.6
Industrial Machinery	12,750	90.3	67.1
Motor Vehicles	8,175	102.5	101.5
Electrical & Precision Machinery	2,959	86.5	50.6
Aircraft/Shipbuilding/Transport equipment	2,135	173.6	94.8
Foreign total	83,203	106.1	94.0
Asia	33,686	110.3	80.8
Europe	20,183	110.8	95.2
North America	26,699	96.9	109.7