BACKGROUND: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental organisms increasingly causing chronic respiratory infection. Although NTM pulmonary infection is rising globally, most studies are single-country. This study evaluated temporal trends in pulmonary NTM incidence across Queensland (Australia), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Japan, Thailand, and the United States (US), and described regional species distribution. METHODS: Laboratory and insurance claims data were used. Incident infections were defined using region-specific criteria. For Queensland, Japan, and Thailand, data and denominators covered entire regions. US estimates included Medicare beneficiaries aged [≥]65 years, and Cambodian incidence was estimated from Phnom Penh data and standardised nationally. Incidence rates per 100,000 population and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated overall and by sex. Age-stratified analyses and species distributions were summarised where data were available. RESULTS: Pulmonary NTM incidence increased in all regions and was highest in Japan (47.20-57.40 per 100,000) and lowest in Phnom Penh (0.23-0.38). Queensland showed the largest increase over 24 years (IRR 7.06, p