The Japan Machine Tool Builders' Association reported that total global orders for Japanese machine tools reached JPY 193.47 billion (US$1,227.36 million) in March 2026, rising 31.8% from February and marking the second consecutive month of month-on-month growth.

Compared with the same month last year, total orders increased 28.0%, extending year-on-year growth to nine consecutive months and setting a new all-time record. The figure surpassed the previous record of ¥182.86 billion set in March 2018.

Total orders also remained above the ¥140 billion level for the fourth consecutive month, reflecting continued strength in global manufacturing investment and production equipment demand.

Domestic Demand Shows Signs of Recovery

Domestic orders totaled ¥50.47​ billion (US$320.18 million), rising 35.8% from February and increasing 2.5% compared with the same month last year.

By Major Industry (MoM comparison):

• Automotive: up 7.2%
• Industrial machinery: up 30.8%
• Electronics & precision machinery: up 27.8%
• Aerospace, shipbuilding & transport equipment: up 30.6%

Strong Overseas Demand Continues to Drive Growth

Foreign orders reached ¥143.00 billion  (US$907.12​ million) in March, up 30.5% from the previous month and marking the first month-on-month increase in three months.

On a year-on-year basis, overseas demand jumped 40.4%, extending growth to 18 consecutive months.

By Region:

Asia

Orders reached ¥75.09 billion (US$476.35 million), up 36.3% MoM and 35.3% YoY.

• China: ¥51.35 billion (US$325.77 million), up 37.1% MoM
• India: ¥11.66 billion (US$73.99 million), up 48.1% MoM
• Thailand: ¥2.22 billion (US$14.09 million), down 38.6% MoM

​Europe

Orders totaled ¥22.38 billion (US$105.29 million), up 33.9% MoM and 35.4% YoY.

North America

Orders stood at ¥43.06 billion (US$225.34 million), up 20.4% MoM and 57.9% YoY.

• United States: ¥39.27 billion (US$249.08 million), showing a slight increase​

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(1 JPY = 0.0063 USD)

Read more: Japan Machine Tool Orders: January 2026