The Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA) reported that global orders for Japanese machine tools in March 2025 totaled 151.101 billion yen (approx. USD 1.05551 billion), marking a 27.8% increase from February 2025. This is the second consecutive month of month-on-month growth. Compared to the same month last year, orders rose by 11.4%, continuing a year-on-year increase for the sixth consecutive month.

This is the first time in 30 months that monthly orders have exceeded ¥150 billion. The surge was driven by special demand and a rise in end-of-period orders, particularly from Japan, China, and India. However, there are lingering concerns about the broader impact of U.S. tariff measures, and future trends must be closely monitored.

Domestic orders in Japan - March 2025

Domestic orders in Japan rose 45.9% from February to 49.264 billion yen (approx. USD 344.13 million), also marking the second month of consecutive growth. Year-on-year, domestic orders were up 11.4%, continuing the fifth consecutive month of annual growth.

By industry sector, compared to February; 

• Automotive: +70.7%
• Industrial machinery: +52.8%
• Electronics & precision machinery: +64.7%
• Aerospace, shipbuilding & transport equipment: –25.7%

Overseas orders - March 2025

Foreign orders increased 20.6% from February to 101.837 billion yen (US$711.38 million), the second month of continuous month-on-month growth and a 17.9% increase from the same month last year. This marks the sixth consecutive month of year-on-year growth.

By region:

• Asia: Orders jumped 35.0% from February to 55.508 billion yen (approx. USD 387.75 million), increased 44.0% year-on-year.
  • China: Up 35.2% from February to 36.087 billion yen (approx. USD 252.08 million)
  • India: Up 82.2% from February to 9.821 ​billion yen (approx. USD 68.60 million)
  • Thailand: Up 6.7% from February to 1.2 billion yen (approx. USD 8.38 million)
• Europe: Orders rose 7.1% from February to 16.521 billion yen (approx. USD 115.41 million), but fell 4.3% compared to last year.
• North America:  Orders increased 6.0% from February to 27.277 billion yen (approx. USD 190.54 million), but fell 3.3% year-on-year.
  • United States: Orders increased 7.3% from February to 24.703 billion yen (approx. USD 172.56 million)

(1 JPY = 0.00070 USD)

Read more: Japan Machine Tool Orders: February 2025