Nippon Steel is set to acquire US Steel, the historic Pittsburgh-based steel producer that played a pivotal role in America's industrialisation, in an all-cash deal valued at around $14.1 billion. When factoring in assumed debt, the transaction's total worth is approximately $14.9 billion. According to 2022 data from the World Steel Association, the combined entity will rank among the top three global steel producers.

This purchase price represents a significant increase from the offer made just four months ago by rival Cleveland Cliffs, which US Steel had rejected. The rejected deal with Cleveland Cliffs aimed to create one of the top four steel producers globally, excluding China, which dominates the steel industry. US Steel CEO David Burritt addressed potential concerns from US regulators, emphasising that the acquisition would enhance competition within the United States with a valued ally, characterising the associated risks as low.

Despite the change in ownership, US Steel will retain its name and continue to operate from its headquarters in Pittsburgh, where it was originally founded in 1901 by JP Morgan and Andrew Carnegie. The company will function as a subsidiary of Nippon.

In the context of global steel production, China and Chinese companies remain dominant, contributing approximately 54% of the nearly 2 billion metric tons produced annually, as reported by the World Steel Association. The combined output of Nippon and US Steel is projected to be less than 90 million metric tons, with Nippon accounting for the majority.

Nippon's acquisition of US Steel, valued at $55 per share, is expected to strengthen its manufacturing and technology capabilities while expanding its production in the U.S. and reinforcing its positions in Japan, India, and the ASEAN region. The deal is anticipated to increase Nippon's total annual crude steel capacity to 86 million tons, positioning it to capitalise on growing demand for high-grade steel, automotive, and electrical steel.

Both companies have pledged to honour existing union contracts and collective bargaining agreements, with US Steel emphasising that the sale benefits the United States by ensuring a competitive domestic steel industry and strengthening its global presence.

However, the United Steelworkers International expressed immediate opposition to the acquisition, citing concerns about a foreign-owned company taking control of a prominent American steel company. The union intends to exercise its agreements to protect jobs and urges government regulators to scrutinise the acquisition for its impact on national security interests and workers.

The acquisition, approved by the boards of both companies, is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2024, pending approval from US Steel shareholders.