Japan Machinery Orders

Japan’s core machinery orders rebounded sharply in February 2025, rising 4.3% month-on-month to ¥894.7 billion, well above market expectations for a 0.8% increase. The figure marked the highest level in a year and a strong recovery from January’s 3.5% decline. Manufacturing orders rose 3% to ¥425.4 billion, while non-manufacturing orders jumped 11.4% to ¥487.3 billion. Notable gains came from sectors such as non-ferrous metals (+144.8%), transportation and postal services (+39.6%), chemicals (+39.6%), textiles (+37.9%), and finance and insurance (+33.8%). On a year-over-year basis, private-sector machinery orders grew 1.5%, easing from January’s 4.4% increase but outperforming forecasts for a 1.4% decline.