Machine tool orders, which are said to be a leading economic indicator and continuing to be at record high levels, are gradually reaching a turning point. According to data released by Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (Headquarters: Minato Ward, Tokyo) on Sept. 11, the export value of machine tools in August (preliminary figures) decreased by 4.4% on the year, marking the first year-on-year decline in 21 months. The reduction is believed to be attributable to a wait-and-see attitude in China toward investment following the trade friction between the U.S. and China. (Abridged)