March 2025 Japan Machine Tool Orders: Up 27.8% to JPY 151 billion

April 10, 2025

The Japan Machine Tool Builders‘ Association (JMTBA) has released its preliminary report on Japan‘s machine tool orders for March 2025. Total orders reached JPY 151.1 billion, marking a 27.8% increase from the previous month. This was the second consecutive month of month-on-month (MoM) growth and the sixth consecutive month of year-on-year (YoY) growth. It was also the first time in 30 months—since September 2022—that monthly orders have exceeded JPY 150 billion.

Domestic demand surges on fiscal year-end effect

Domestic orders climbed 45.9% MoM to JPY 49.2 billion, surpassing JPY 40 billion for the first time in six months. This was the second consecutive month of growth and the fifth consecutive month of YoY increases. As March marks the end of the fiscal year for many Japanese companies, the increase is likely due to the typical fiscal year-end effect.

Foreign demand tops JPY 100 billion

Foreign orders also increased, rising 20.6% MoM to JPY 101.8 billion. This was the second consecutive month of growth and the sixth consecutive month of YoY increases. Foreign demand exceeded JPY 100 billion for the first time in three months.

Detailed figures and regional breakdowns of Japan‘s machine tool orders will be available in the final confirmed report from JMTBA.