April 2025 Japan machine tool orders total JPY 130.2 billion

May 27, 2025

The Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA) has released the final report on machine tool orders for April 2025. Total orders amounted to JPY 130.2 billion, down from the previous month for the first time in three months. Despite increasing global economic uncertainties, the figure reflects a solid start to the new fiscal year and remains relatively high. Orders also increased year-on-year (YoY) for the seventh consecutive month.

Domestic orders

Domestic orders totaled JPY 34.4 billion, down from both the previous month (first decline in three months) and the same month last year (first decline in six months). The overall trend remained generally flat.

As the fiscal year-end effect faded, 9 out of 11 industries saw a decline in orders compared to the previous month. In particular, Motor Vehicles, which had surged in March, saw the sharpest declines both MoM and YoY. On the other hand, Industrial Machinery and Electrical & Precision Machinery posted YoY increases, supported by solid demand for construction machinery, food processing equipment, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

Foreign orders

Foreign orders amounted to JPY 95.8 billion, also declining for the first time in three months MoM, but increasing YoY for the seventh consecutive month. Despite a reactionary drop following large orders in March, foreign demand remained strong, with orders exceeding JPY 95 billion for the second consecutive month.

By region

North America saw its third straight MoM increase, exceeding JPY 30 billion for the first time in four months.　Notable orders were received from sectors such as construction machinery, energy-related equipment, large job shops, and aerospace.

Europe has moved past the worst phase, but still lacks strong momentum. Orders fell below JPY 14 billion for the first time in three months.

Asia remained strong, exceeding JPY 45 billion for the second consecutive month and posting a YoY increase for the 13th consecutive month. In China, activity remained high across key sectors including Motor Vehicles, with orders exceeding JPY 30 billion for the second month in a row. In India, although special demand in telecommunications-related equipment declined, orders still approached JPY 5 billion.

Outlook

Since April, concerns over stalled capital investment have grown globally amid rising economic uncertainty.

Although there has been no immediate impact observed from recent U.S. tariff policies, the possibility of future effects remains. Close monitoring of market trends will be necessary going forward.

April Summary

	Amount (million yen)	MoM change (%)	YoY change (%)
Total Orders	130,214	86.2	107.7
Domestic total	34,379	69.8	94.5
Industrial Machinery	15,018	78.4	117.1
Motor Vehicles	5,267	44.2	59.6
Electrical & Precision Machinery	4,828	90.5	109.8
Aircraft/Shipbuilding/Transport equipment	1,945	62.5	72.7
Foreign total	95,835	94.1	113.4
Asia	48,238	86.9	115.0
Europe	13,776	83.4	81.3
North America	32,025	117.4	141.1