Japan’s machine tool orders: JPY 176.8 billion in May, fourth-highest on record

June 24, 2026

The Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA) released preliminary machine tool orders for May 2026. Total orders reached JPY 176.8 billion, down 6.4% MoM but up 37.4% YoY. Although orders declined MoM for the second consecutive month, they exceeded JPY 170 billion for the third consecutive month, ranking fourth on record. The YoY growth rate exceeded 30% for the second consecutive month, extending the streak of YoY growth to 11 consecutive months.

Domestic orders totaled JPY 45 billion, down 8.6% MoM but up 36.4% YoY. Although the month had fewer business days than usual due to Golden Week (Japan’s series of public holidays), orders still exceeded the six-month average of JPY 41.7 billion. As with the total figure, the YoY growth rate exceeded 30% for the second consecutive month, indicating continued improvement in domestic demand.

Foreign orders totaled JPY 131.7 billion, down 5.6% MoM but up 37.7% YoY. While orders declined MoM for the second consecutive month, they exceeded JPY 130 billion for the third consecutive month, ranking third on record. Foreign demand has now exceeded JPY 100 billion for eight consecutive months, with each month since December last year ranking among the top six on record, highlighting the continued strength of overseas demand.