Japan’s February 2026 machine tool orders: foreign demand exceeds JPY 100B for 5th consecutive month

Preliminary report shows total orders top JPY 140 billion for third consecutive month 

The Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA) announced preliminary machine tool order figures for February 2026. Total orders increased slightly for the first time in two months, up 0.8% month-on-month (MoM) and up 24.2% year-on-year (YoY) to JPY 146.7 billion, marking the eighth consecutive month of YoY growth. While overseas demand, which exceeded JPY 110 billion for two consecutive months in December and January, declined slightly MoM, domestic demand increased, pushing total orders above JPY 140 billion for the third consecutive month. Strong interest in capital investment continues, centered on foreign demand. 

Domestic demand rises but sideways trend persists 

Domestic orders totaled JPY 37.2 billion, up 14.0% MoM and 10.2% YoY. Orders increased MoM for the first time in two months and YoY for the second consecutive month, exceeding JPY 35 billion for the first time in two months. However, the sideways trend continues. 

Foreign demand sustains strong performance above JPY 100 billion 

Foreign orders totaled JPY 109.5 billion, down 3.0% MoM but up 29.8% YoY. Orders declined MoM for the second consecutive month, possibly influenced by the Chinese New Year holidays in Greater China. YoY growth continued for the 17th consecutive month, with orders exceeding JPY 100 billion for the fifth consecutive month, indicating sustained strong performance. 

Regional and industry breakdowns for February orders will be provided when final figures are released.