Japan machine tool orders total JPY 188.9 billion in April 2026, second-highest on record

May 28, 2026

Total orders rank second highest on record

The Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA) released the final machine tool order figures for April 2026. Total orders reached JPY 188.967 billion, exceeding JPY 180 billion for the second consecutive month and ranking as the second-highest level on record, surpassed only by the March figure. Year-on-year growth exceeded 40% for the first time in four years and three months, marking the tenth consecutive month of year-on-year growth.

Domestic orders exceed JPY 45 billion for second consecutive month

Domestic orders declined month on month from March, when orders were concentrated toward the fiscal year-end, but the decline was modest at around 2%, similar to the decline in foreign demand, and orders exceeded JPY 45 billion for the second consecutive month. While domestic demand had long remained largely flat, year-on-year growth has continued for four consecutive months since the start of the year.

By sector, demand related to data centers, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and power generation remained active. “Motor Vehicles” exceeded JPY 10 billion for the first time in 13 months, driven by model change cycles and the emergence of some internal combustion engine-related demand. “Aircraft/Shipbuilding/Transport Equipment” exceeded JPY 3.5 billion for the first time in seven months.

Overseas demand remains strong

Foreign orders posted year-on-year growth of over 40% for the second consecutive month and exceeded JPY 135 billion for the second consecutive month. Foreign demand has been trending at historically high levels, with each month since December last year ranking among the top five on record; April’s figure ranks second, behind only the March figure.

In North America, orders for aerospace, automotive, and electrical & precision machinery remained strong, with total orders exceeding JPY 40 billion for the second consecutive month. In Europe, steady stock replenishment by aircraft-related companies, trading firms, and local subsidiaries supported demand; while orders declined month on month for the first time in three months, they exceeded JPY 20 billion for the second consecutive month. In Asia, China set a new all-time high for the second consecutive month, and India recorded orders exceeding JPY 7 billion for the third consecutive month. South Korea and Taiwan each exceeded JPY 3 billion, contributing to broad-based strength across the region; Asia as a whole also set a new all-time high for the second consecutive month, with orders exceeding JPY 75 billion for the second consecutive month.

While concerns remain that developments in the Middle East could weigh on the global economy, robust capital investment demand is evident worldwide. At the same time, a notable number of companies are reporting difficulties in procuring petroleum products and lubricants, a development that warrants close attention going forward.

April Summary

	Amount (million yen)	MoM change (%)	YoY change (%)
Total Orders	188,967	97.7	145.1
Domestic total	49,286	97.6	143.4
Industrial Machinery	15,744	85.4	104.8
Motor Vehicles	11,251	134.0	213.6
Electrical & Precision Machinery	7,801	105.8	161.6
Aircraft/Shipbuilding/Transport equipment	3,806	130.7	195.7
Foreign total	139,681	97.7	145.8
Asia	76,269	101.6	158.1
Europe	20,281	90.6	147.2
North America	41,056	95.3	128.2