A high-stakes international deal between Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel has run into fierce political opposition, casting doubt over the future of the $15 billion acquisition announced late last year.
The Japanese steel giant’s bid to acquire U.S. Steel, a cornerstone of American industrial power for over a century, has been met with stiff resistance from lawmakers and political leaders who argue that the company must remain under U.S. ownership.
Former President Donald Trump, a central figure in the political conversation and current presidential hopeful, added fuel to the fire with an emphatic statement:
“U.S. Steel has to stay American!”
The market reacted sharply. U.S. Steel shares plunged 9.4% as fears grew that the deal may not survive political scrutiny, especially amid rising concerns about foreign control of critical industries during an election year.
Proponents of the deal argue it would create a global steel powerhouse, combining Nippon Steel’s advanced technology with U.S. Steel’s vast domestic production capacity. However, opponents claim the sale raises national security risks and undermines American industrial sovereignty.
As regulatory investigations intensify, the fate of this landmark merger hangs in the balance. For now, what was once envisioned as a transformational consolidation of steelmaking capabilities is becoming a high-profile geopolitical flashpoint.
VietnamSteel by Hoa Sen Group
