Japanese Cutting-Edge
Solutions for Metalworking
Japanese Cutting-Edge
Solutions for Metalworking
Statistic
April 28, 2025
The Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA) has released the final report for Japan’s machine tool orders in March 2025.
The total amount was JPY 151.1 billion (151,101 million yen), marking the third consecutive month of increase both month-on-month (MoM) and year-on-year (YoY). It was also the first time in 30 months that monthly orders exceeded JPY 150 billion.
Domestic orders totaled JPY 49.3 billion (49,264 million yen), increasing for the second consecutive month MoM and the fifth consecutive month YoY. This was the first time in six months that domestic orders surpassed JPY 40 billion, and for March specifically, it marked the third straight year that domestic orders stayed around the JPY 49 billion range.
March, which is the fiscal year-end for many Japanese manufacturers, tends to concentrate orders. This year, many deals that had been under negotiation for a long time were finally concluded.
Among 11 industrial sectors, 8 sectors saw MoM growth, while only 2 sectors recorded YoY growth. In the four major sectors:
Although domestic orders achieved high results across the board, the underlying recovery trend remains cautious when excluding the seasonal fiscal year-end effect. It is expected that the market will continue to seek clear signs of a sustained recovery.
Foreign orders amounted to JPY 101.8 billion (101,837 million yen), increasing for the second consecutive month MoM and the sixth consecutive month YoY. This was the first time in three months that overseas orders surpassed JPY 110 billion.
In China, following policy announcements during the National People’s Congress, orders for Industrial Machinery and investments by some automobile manufacturers remained strong, each reaching around JPY 13 billion.
In India, large orders for Electrical & Precision Machinery were recorded, marking the highest-ever monthly total for the country. As a result, Asia overall exceeded JPY 50 billion for the first time in three months.
In Europe, Industrial Machinery orders in Italy contributed to an overall recovery, pushing the region’s total above JPY 16 billion for the first time in three months. However, YoY orders decreased for the 15th consecutive month, and the market sentiment remains weaker compared to other regions.
In North America, orders for Aircraft/Shipbuilding/Transport Equipment fell by about 30% MoM. However, strong results in other sectors, such as Industrial Machinery, offset the decline, and the region exceeded JPY 25 billion for the second consecutive month.
As mentioned, March 2025 marked the first time in 30 months that total orders surpassed JPY 150 billion. However, much of this growth was driven by fiscal year-end demand and special factors. Looking ahead, there is a possibility that new U.S. tariff measures could impact demand for machine tools. Careful monitoring of market trends remains essential.
| Amount (million yen) | MoM change (%) | YoY change (%) | |
| Total Orders | 151,101 | 127.8 | 111.4 |
| Domestic total | 49,264 | 145.9 | 100.0 |
| Industrial Machinery | 19,152 | 152.8 | 96.8 |
| Motor Vehicles | 11,929 | 170.7 | 125.1 |
| Electrical & Precision Machinery | 5,337 | 164.7 | 74.7 |
| Aircraft/Shipbuilding/Transport equipment | 3,111 | 74.3 | 176.0 |
| Foreign total | 101,837 | 120.6 | 117.9 |
| Asia | 55,508 | 135.0 | 144.0 |
| Europe | 16,521 | 107.1 | 95.7 |
| North America | 27,277 | 106.0 | 96.7 |
Japan MT orders for
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