In a notable shift, former President Donald Trump has announced his support for the $15 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel. This endorsement marks a departure from his previous stance against foreign ownership, which he emphasized during his 2024 election campaign according to the Financial Times. Trump's backing highlights the multifaceted landscape of U.S. industrial policy as it intersects with international investment.
Nippon Steel has committed to investing a substantial $14 billion into U.S. Steel's operations. This includes plans for a new $4 billion steel mill, reflecting their strategy to invigorate American manufacturing and purportedly create around 70,000 jobs, Reuters reported. As a part of maintaining domestic ties, U.S. Steel's headquarters will remain in Pittsburgh, ensuring an American helm for the company even under new ownership.
Despite these developments, concerns have surfaced from the United Steelworkers union over potential risks to domestic steel production and union jobs. These apprehensions underscore the union's call for strong safeguards to protect American workers' interests. Meanwhile, market response has been notably positive, with U.S. Steel's shares jumping 21%, showcasing investor optimism about the merger's potential benefits, AP News highlighted.