Latest News

US frets about steel supply for facilities after Nippon-US steel offer

Nippon Steel's proposed $ 14.9 billion takeover of U.S. Steel would create nationwide security dangers because it might harm the supply of steel needed for crucial transport, infrastructure, building and construction and farming projects, the U.S. said in a letter sent out to the business and seen .

Decisions by Nippon could lead to a decrease in domestic steel production capability, the Committee on Foreign Financial Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS) said in its 17-page letter sent out Saturday to Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel, first reported by Reuters.

The consequences to nationwide security that have been recognized associate with the possible supply chain interruptions to sectors crucial to national security, especially transportation, facilities, building and construction and agriculture, the committee wrote.

Nippon Steel told CFIUS in a letter Tuesday that it will invest billions of dollars to preserve and increase U.S. Steel centers that otherwise would have been idled. Nippon added that the deal indisputably will keep and potentially boost domestic steelmaking capability in the United States.

But CFIUS argued An ongoing loss of feasible commercial production abilities and related proficient workforce will jeopardize the U.S. steel market's ability to meet the full spectrum of nationwide security requirements.

The committee, which reviews foreign financial investments for nationwide security hazards, also sees risk arising from Nippon's. growing existence in India, where production expenses are much lower. than in the U.S.

CFIUS also voiced concerns about Nippon Steel's policy. toward seeking U.S. trade relief for items manufactured. domestically. It noted that Nippon in some cases resists such relief. for the U.S. domestic steel market, raising the possibility. that U.S. Steel would be less aggressive in looking for trade. remedies under Nippon's control.

Nippon has said it would not move any U.S. Steel. production capability or tasks outside the U.S. and would not. interfere in any of U.S. Steel's choices on trade matters,. including decisions to pursue trade steps under U.S. law. against unfair trade practices.

Nippon Steel, U.S. Steel, the White Home and the Treasury. Department, which leads CFIUS, did not immediately respond to. ask for remark.

Nippon Steel has proposed a detailed draft arrangement to. address CFIUS's issues.

(source: Reuters)