TOKYO, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Nippon Steel announced Saturday that it had entered an agreement with the U.S. government to address security concerns surrounding its planned acquisition of U.S. Steel, clearing the way for the long-contested deal to proceed.
U.S. President Donald Trump issued a revised executive order on June 13 (U.S. Eastern Time), allowing the deal to go forward if the buyer agrees to terms set by the U.S. government through a national security framework.
The agreement reportedly includes provisions that Nippon Steel will issue a "golden share" to the U.S. government, granting veto power over major management decisions to ensure American oversight.
Nippon Steel also unveiled an investment plan totaling approximately 11 billion U.S. dollars through 2028 to upgrade aging production facilities and build new steel plants in the United States.
"All conditions to make U.S. Steel a wholly owned subsidiary have been met," Nippon Steel stated.
The Japanese government welcomed the decision, saying the deal will strengthen the capacity for innovation in the steel industries of both countries and further reinforce the close partnership between Japan and the United States.
Nippon Steel's bid, initially announced in December 2023, encountered resistance from the outset. In January, just before leaving office, former U.S. President Joe Biden blocked the acquisition, citing national security concerns.
The turning point came in April 2025, when Trump ordered the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to re-review the case. ■
