FX.co ★ Japan Machine Tool Orders Ease in May

Japan's machine tool orders experienced a modest increase of 3.4% year-over-year, reaching JPY 128,716 in May 2025. This growth reflects a deceleration compared to the 7.7% rise observed in the previous month, but it does signify the eighth consecutive month of growth in machine tool orders. However, this month's rise was the most minimal within this period, attributed largely to a 5.2% decline in domestic demand, which reached JPY 33,014. Conversely, international orders saw a positive uptick, growing by 6.7% to JPY 95,702. On a month-to-month analysis, orders dipped by 1.2% in May, showing improvement from the more significant 13.8% decline recorded in the prior month.