Nippon Steel proposes to resume the acquisition of United States Steel Corporation (X.US) and will negotiate with the U.S. Department of Commerce.

New Nippon Steel President Masahiro Imai stated on February 25th that the company will engage in negotiations with the US Department of Commerce with the aim of restarting the acquisition plan of United States Steel Corporation (X.US). Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on February 17th that Nippon Steel had drastically shifted its approach towards United States Steel Corporation since Trump took office, and that now the consideration for the deal is investment rather than acquisition. He mentioned the need to take necessary measures to ensure benefits for both sides. Imai stated in Tokyo, "The starting point for discussions with the US government will be this merger agreement. Next, we will discuss with the US government how to get President Trump's approval for the agreement." Earlier this month, Trump said he wouldn't mind a Japanese company acquiring a minority stake in United States Steel Corporation, but had previously stated that tariffs would save the company and they didn't need to make a deal with Nippon Steel. Nippon Steel has been struggling to get approval for its acquisition of United States Steel Corporation, despite facing regulatory and political obstacles. Former President Joe Biden blocked the deal in January on national security grounds before leaving office. According to Japanese media, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoichi Motegi is expected to visit the US in March and may discuss the agreement.