According to the Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA), the total value of machine tool orders placed in Japan in February was 155.19 billion yen (about $1.45 billion).
This was an increase of 0.5% compared to January, marking the first month-on-month growth in two months, and it represented an increase of 39.5% compared to February 2017.
The February 2018 figure meant that orders topped the 150 billion yen mark for four consecutive months (and 100 billion yen for 16 consecutive months).
The JMTBA (
www.jmtba.or.jp) said that although market conditions are generally continuing “the favourable trend in both domestic and overseas markets, we will keep a close watch on future trends — such as various risks overseas and prolonged deliveries due to parts procurement difficulties”.
Domestic orders in February rose by 4.7% over January, amounting to 58.19 billion yen, marking the first month-on-month increase in two months. This figure was a growth of 43.6% over February 2017.
Looking at major industries, orders rose by 1.1% (compared to January) in industrial machinery, and by 12.0% in automotive.
However, they fell by 7.5% in electrical and precision machinery, and by 24.5% in aircraft, shipbuilding and transport equipment.
Foreign orders fell by 1.8% (from January) to 96.99 billion yen, marking a third consecutive month-on-month decline. However, foreign orders showed an increase of 37.2% over February 2017.
By region, orders from Asia fell by 8.7% (from January) to 47.18 billion yen.
However, this was an increase of 41.0% over February 2017. Orders from Europe rose by 2.5% (over January) to 22.10 billion yen — an increase of 43.6% over February 2017.
Orders from North America rose by 11.5% (over January), amounting to 26.17 billion yen — an increase of 26.1% over February 2017.