October 2025 Japan machine tool orders total JPY 143.4 billion

December 2, 2025

The Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA) has released the final report on Japan’s machine tool orders for October 2025. Total orders reached JPY 143.456 billion, exceeding JPY 140 billion for the first time in seven months. Notably, October marked the first month-on-month (MoM) increase in four years for a month that typically sees seasonal declines. While variations exist across regions, industries, and company sizes, overall sentiment toward capital investment appears positive.

Domestic orders decline after fiscal half-year peak

Domestic orders totaled JPY 35.693 billion, down 17.2% from the previous month, marking the first MoM decline in two months. The decrease reflects reduced momentum following concentrated orders at the end of the fiscal first half in September and the expiration of certain subsidy effects. However, orders remained above JPY 35 billion and recorded year-on-year (YoY) growth for the second consecutive month.

By industry, “Aircraft/Shipbuilding/Transport Equipment,” which hit a record high in September, saw a significant reactionary decline but continues to show active negotiations. “Motor Vehicles” rose for the second consecutive month on a MoM basis and for the first time in three months YoY, exceeding JPY 8 billion for the first time in three months.

Foreign orders hit record high, exceeding JPY 100 billion

Foreign orders reached JPY 107.763 billion, up 12.8% from the previous month, surpassing JPY 100 billion for the first time in seven months and setting a new record by exceeding the previous peak of JPY 107.3 billion set in March 2018. As a result, foreign orders accounted for over 75% of total orders for the first time.

By region, “North America” exceeded JPY 30 billion for the first time in five months, driven by large-scale orders in aerospace and automotive sectors. “Europe” saw increases across EU countries and regions, including Germany, surpassing JPY 20 billion for the first time in 23 months. “Asia” exceeded JPY 50 billion for the first time in seven months, with special demand in South Korea and Southeast Asia offsetting slight declines of approximately 10% in both China and India MoM.

October Summary

	Amount (million yen)	MoM change (%)	YoY change (%)
Total Orders	143,456	103.1	117.1
Domestic total	35,693	81.8	106.7
Industrial Machinery	14,485	89.9	107.1
Motor Vehicles	8,223	116.2	120.5
Electrical & Precision Machinery	3,961	73.8	94.3
Aircraft/Shipbuilding/Transport equipment	1,862	28.9	75.5
Foreign total	107,763	112.8	120.9
Asia	51,500	103.8	103.2
Europe	20,205	130.0	122.4
North America	33,550	113.5	158.2