Japan’s September 2025 machine tool orders top JPY 130 billion for the first time in three months

The Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA) announced preliminary figures for Japan’s machine tool orders in September 2025. 

Total orders reached JPY 137.7 billion, up 14.7% from the previous month and 9.9% year-on-year (YoY), marking the first month-over-month (MoM) increase in three months and the third consecutive YoY rise. This is also the first time in three months that monthly orders have exceeded JPY 130 billion. 

The average monthly order value from January to September 2025 stood at JPY 129.3 billion, surpassing both 2023 (JPY 125.7 billion) and 2024 (JPY 122.2 billion). Despite persistent concerns about global economic risks, capital investment in machine tools remains generally solid. 

Domestic demand rises ahead of fiscal half-year end 

Domestic demand rose sharply to JPY 42.7 billion, up 34.1% from the previous month and 3.0% YoY, marking the first increase in three months on a MoM basis and the first YoY growth in six months. Orders also exceeded JPY 40 billion for the first time in six months. Although still showing limited momentum compared to foreign demand, domestic orders appear to have strengthened toward the end of the fiscal first half. 

Foreign demand maintains solid performance 

Foreign demand totaled JPY 94.9 billion, up 7.6% from the previous month and 13.3% YoY—the first MoM increase in six months and the 12th consecutive YoY increase. Orders exceeded JPY 90 billion for the first time in two months. 

While regional breakdowns were not available at the preliminary stage, attention will focus on trends in North America, where reciprocal tariff rates have been finalized, and in China, where strong demand from the automotive and electrical machinery sectors has maintained orders at a high level of around JPY 30 billion per month. 

A more detailed breakdown will be provided in the confirmed report.