Japanese machine tool traders see growth from semiconductor demand

Japanese machine tool trading companies reported increased revenue for the April-June 2026 period, driven largely by rising demand for equipment and tools used in semiconductor manufacturing. The surge in demand is linked to rapid capital investment in AI server-related semiconductors.

Several companies, including Trusco Nakayama, MonotaRO, NaITO, Yamazen, and Misumi Group Inc., have upwardly revised their full-year earnings forecasts. Misumi Group reported a 32.3% increase in revenue, reaching 131.44 billion yen, due to expansion in data center and semiconductor-related sectors.

Additionally, earnings were bolstered by front-loaded demand for carbide tools. This surge followed price increases implemented by manufacturers to offset rising costs of tungsten-based raw materials, such as ammonium paratungstate (APT), following export restrictions by China.