Japan’s robot orders rebound strongly; production rises after 7 quarter decline (Oct-Dec 2024)

On January 23, the Japan Robot Association (JARA, chaired by Yasuhiko Hashimoto, President and CEO of Kawasaki Heavy Industries) released the order value and production value figures for Japan’s industrial robots for the fourth quarter of 2024 (October-December) based on data from its members. 

The total order value reached 210.2 billion yen, up 33.2% year-on-year (YoY). The number of units ordered also grew significantly, increasing 27.6% YoY to 46,499 units. This growth was driven by continued strong recovery in electronic component assembly machines and signs of recovery in manipulation robots, particularly vertical articulated robots. Both order value and volume increased for the second consecutive quarter. 

Production value trends 

Production value increased 3.7% YoY to 181.4 billion yen, the first increase in seven quarters. However, the number of units produced decreased slightly by 1.0% YoY to 42,833 units. 

Overall shipment trends 

Total shipment value decreased 0.3% YoY to 182.3 billion yen, while total shipment volume decreased 8.6% YoY to 42,250 units. This was the seventh consecutive quarter of decline in shipment value and the eighth consecutive quarter of decline in shipment volume. Domestically, demand from the electrical machinery manufacturing sector, excluding electronic component assembly applications, remained steady, while demand from the automotive industry increased, particularly for arc welding and material handling robots. 

Exports decreased 1.9% YoY to 133.7 billion yen, with the number of units exported decreasing 12.3% YoY to 31,980 units. While material handling and spot welding applications declined significantly, demand for robots used in electronic component assembly and semiconductor manufacturing increased. Regionally, exports to China increased for the first time in seven quarters, signaling a potential recovery. While shipments to Asia showed signs of recovery, exports to Europe and North America continued to decline. 

Full-year figures reflect Q4 recovery 

For 2024 as a whole, the rapid recovery in the fourth quarter offset earlier declines, resulting in an annual order value of 724.5 billion yen, up slightly by 0.1% YoY. Annual production value decreased 11.5% YoY to 692.0 billion yen. 

Full-year results, including data from both member and non-member companies, are scheduled for release in May 2025.