From January to May 2026, Taiwan's machine tool exports totaled USD 802 million (down 1.9% YoY), while imports reached USD 251 million (up 11.3% YoY). For critical components, exports grew to USD 668 million (up 11.1% YoY), and imports rose to USD 96.58 million (up 24.4% YoY). China (including Hong Kong) and the USA remained the top export destinations for both sectors, while Japan and China led as the primary import sources. The data indicates a slight correction in finished tool exports alongside robust growth in component trade and import demand.
In Q1 2026, the German machine tool industry saw order intake rise by 15%, bottoming out after a three-year decline. However, production fell by 11%, and geopolitical risks from the war in Iran—such as high energy prices and rising logistics costs—continue to weigh on the economy. Regionally, exports to China slumped by 32%, while the US market grew by 8%. Weak domestic sales confirm a lack of investment in Germany. Consequently, capacity utilization dropped to 73%, and employment decreased by nearly 9% year-on-year, as new uncertainties fuel ongoing investor reluctance.
In April 2026, Japan's machine tool orders totaled 188.97 billion yen, down 2.3% MoM but up 45.1% YoY, marking 10 months of consecutive growth. Domestic orders fell 2.4% to 49.29 billion yen, while foreign orders dipped 2.3% to 139.68 billion yen. Overall demand remains strong, driven by AI and robotics
From January to April 2026, Taiwan's machine tool exports totaled $607 million (down 3.4% YoY), while imports reached $196 million (up 7.2% YoY). The top three export destinations were China, the USA, and Vietnam. Meanwhile, critical components performed strongly, with exports rising 11.9% YoY to $515 million and imports increasing 24.5% YoY to $74.78 million, reflecting recovering demand.
In March 2026, Japan’s machine tool orders totaled ¥193.47 billion, up 31.8% month-on-month and 28% year-on-year, marking nine consecutive months of growth and a record high. Domestic orders reached ¥50.47 billion, rising 35.8% from February and 2.5% year-on-year, with increases across industrial machinery, motor vehicles, precision equipment, and aerospace/shipbuilding. Foreign orders surged to ¥143.0 billion, up 30.5% month-on-month and 40.4% year-on-year, the 18th straight month of growth. Orders from Asia, Europe, and North America all showed strong gains, reflecting robust global demand.
In 2025, Germany’s machine tool industry remained under pressure. Orders fell 3% overall, with domestic demand down 16% and foreign orders up 3%. Production dropped 8% to €13.6 billion, 20% below 2018 levels, with a real gap of 35%. Exports declined 9%, driven by U.S. trade policy and fierce Chinese competition. Capacity utilization averaged just 76%, while employment fell to 62,700, down 4.1%. Investment in new machinery stayed weak, though services and retrofitting supported demand. Automotive remained sluggish, but defense, aviation, medical technology, and electronics provided some positive momentum.
In March 2026, Japan's machine tool orders reached a record 163.27 billion yen, up 11.3% monthly and 21.6% annually. Domestic orders surged 20.2% month-on-month, driven by fiscal year-end seasonal demand. Foreign orders also grew by 21.7% year-on-year, bolstered by robust capital spending in Asia and North America. The data reflects persistent global demand for advanced smart manufacturing equipment, maintaining a positive outlook for the industry.
In February 2026, Japan's machine tool orders rose to 146.74 billion yen, up 0.8% monthly and 24.0% annually, marking eight consecutive months of growth. Domestic demand rebounded by 13.9% due to automotive and machinery sectors. Despite a 3.0% monthly decline, foreign orders surged 29.8% year-on-year, driven by strong performance in North America and Europe. The data reflects a robust recovery in the global market, sustaining industry momentum.
In January 2026, Japan's machine tool orders totaled 145.58 billion yen, a month-on-month decrease of 8.2% but a year-on-year increase of 25.3%, marking seven consecutive months of growth. Foreign demand remained strong at 112.96 billion yen, rising 34.2% annually. Domestic orders dropped 18.2% monthly due to sluggishness in automotive and industrial machinery. Despite global uncertainties, robust growth in Asia suggests a positive outlook for future capital investment.
January 2026 Taiwan Machine Tool Import and Export Statistics
Machine Tool Exports and Imports
In January 2026, Taiwan's total machine tool exports reached approximately US$156 million, representing a 15.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Total imports stood at US$50.05 million, a 34.8% decrease year-over-year.
Machine Tool Key Components
For key components of machine tools, the total export value in January 2026 was approximately US$129 million, growing by 31.2% compared to the previous year. The total import value for these components was US$17.83 million, a significant 63.1% increase year-over-year.
U.S. metalworking machinery orders reached a record $814.3 million in December 2025, pushing the full‑year total to $5.74 billion, up 22.5% from 2024. After bottoming out in mid‑2024, demand recovered with support from IMTS, lower interest-rate pressure, and favorable tax policies. While order value rose steadily, unit counts were more volatile, reflecting industry uncertainty and long‑term investment behavior. Aerospace and commercial/service machinery drove growth, while machine shops lagged slightly. Strong investment trends and rising industrial activity are expected to continue into 2026, supported by AI‑related demand, metal industry expansion, and improved economic alignment.
Heller and DN Solutions look forward to creating a partnership for innovation and growth through this acquisition
- Strategic partnership strengthens their position in precision engineering.
- The acquisition comes at a pivotal time, with major industries experiencing strong revival.
- The two companies join forces to preserve HELLER’s brand identity and build a one-stop-shop in machine tool manufacturing.
