Nippon Steel: Acquires US Steel
・Promote CO2 capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS)
・USW opposes US Steel acquisition
We will provide you with a summary of articles published by JETRO.
Nippon Steel and US Steel:
On December 18, Nippon Steel entered into a final agreement to acquire US Steel for $14.1 billion (total amount including debt of $14.9 billion).
US Steel stock price:
On Dec. 18, U.S. Steel’s stock price soared 29 points in premarket trading.
World Steel Association:
1. Nippon Steel produces 66 million tons of steel annually.
2. US Steel produces 20 million tons of steel annually.
With this acquisition, Nippon Steel will become the world’s second largest steel manufacturer after China’s China Baowu Steel Group.
Nippon Steel press release:
Against the background of changes in the structure of the world economy, steel and other materials are cheap energy sources.
1. There is a noticeable move back to the United States in fields that demand steel materials, such as energy.
2. Furthermore, the US steel market is expected to continue to grow steadily.
The United States is the largest market in developed countries and can be expected to have a high level of demand for high-grade steel.
Significance of this acquisition:
1. Having integrated ironworks in India, ASEAN, and the United States has a great effect.
2. By combining cutting-edge technologies, we will promote carbon neutrality in 2050.
Nippon Steel’s initiatives:
Hydrogen reduction iron production:
1. In March 2021, we began mass production of high-grade steel in a large electric furnace.
2. Completed research and development and manufacturing system for hydrogen reduction steelmaking.
What is hydrogen reduction ironmaking?
A method of extracting iron from iron ore in a furnace.
Instead of conventional coke (carbon),
Using hydrogen reduces CO2 emissions.
CO2 capture, utilization and storage (CCUS):
Aiming for carbon neutrality through a multi-track approach including carbon offset measures.
US Steel’s initiatives:
In April 2021, Japan announced its goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.
Nippon Steel: Eiji Hashimoto CEO
This acquisition will further strengthen our presence in the United States.
We will respect the relationship with US Steel’s existing labor union.
We look forward to working with U.S. Steel by combining the strengths of both companies.
US Steel: CEO David Britt
Today’s announcement will help ensure the competitiveness of the U.S. steel industry.
Something that would strengthen the global position of the U.S. steel industry and benefit the United States.
Multiple US Steel acquisition proposals:
Brit CEO revealed this in a press release on August 13th.
US Steel had received multiple acquisition offers, including Nippon Steel.
US steel manufacturer: Cleveland-Cliffs
The company had received a takeover offer from American steel manufacturer Cleveland-Cliffs.
Britt said that “Cliffs refused to follow standard procedures in acquisitions, such as signing non-disclosure agreements.”
As a result, US Steel announced that it had rejected the Cleveland Cliffs’ proposal.
History of US Steel:
America’s largest steel manufacturer.
In 1901, the Federal Steel Corporation was led by its first chairman, Elbert Gehry, and John Pierpont Morgan.
It was founded by acquiring a steel company owned by Andrew Carnegie.
https://www.jetro.go.jp/biznews/2023/12/23d81f99dc5912c3.html
USW: Opposed to Nippon Steel’s acquisition of US Steel
・United Steelworkers union and senators oppose
・We strongly request that the acquisition plan be carefully examined.
We will provide you with a summary of articles published on Bloomberg.
United Steelworkers Union (USW):
On December 18, he expressed his opposition to Nippon Steel’s acquisition of US Steel, a major American steel company.
The company plans to strongly urge U.S. regulatory and supervisory authorities to carefully examine the acquisition plan.
USW: International President David McCall
International President’s presentation materials:
Will this acquisition benefit workers and serve U.S. national security interests?
The USW requests that the US authorities carry out a strict examination.
USW’s previous claims:
Until now, USW has
1. I do not support the ‘acquisition of US Steel by a foreign company.’
2. He only supported the Cleveland Cliffs’ acquisition proposal (announced in August).
Cleveland Cliffs acquisition proposal is $7.25 billion (1.4 trillion yen)
Senators of the US Congress:
At least three U.S. senators oppose the acquisition of U.S. Steel by a foreign company.
US Steel is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania State Representative:
Rep. Bob Casey (D) from the same state and Rep. Sherrod Brown (D) from Ohio voiced criticism on the 18th.
The criticism is particularly noteworthy given that both states are important battleground states.
Lawmakers are aiming to gain blue-collar support ahead of next year’s elections.
https://www.bloomberg.co.jp/news/articles/2023-12-18/S5VED9DWX2PS00