Japan’s October 2025 machine tool orders reach JPY 143 billion as foreign demand hits record high

November 13, 2025

The Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA) announced preliminary figures for Japan’s machine tool orders in October 2025. Total orders reached JPY 143.0 billion, up 2.8% from the previous month and 16.8% year-on-year (YoY), marking the second consecutive month-on-month (MoM) increase and the fourth consecutive YoY rise. Notably, October typically sees MoM declines due to seasonal factors, but this year marked the first October increase in four years. The total exceeded JPY 140 billion for the first time in seven months.

Domestic orders decline after fiscal half-year end

Domestic orders totaled ¥35.5 billion, down 18.5% MoM but up 6.3% YoY, marking the first MoM decline in two months. The decline is attributed to the expiration of fiscal first-half year-end demand and orders related to certain government subsidies. While domestic demand remains largely flat, the second consecutive YoY increase raises hopes for future improvement.

Foreign orders set new record, surpassing March 2018 peak

Foreign orders reached JPY 107.5 billion, up 12.6% MoM and 20.7% YoY—the second consecutive MoM increase and the 13th consecutive YoY rise. Orders exceeded JPY 100 billion for the first time in seven months and surpassed the previous record of JPY 107.3 billion set in March 2018. The strong performance may reflect multiple large-scale orders. Regional and sectoral breakdowns will be revealed in the final report.