## Nippon Steel President Defends Takeover Bid of U.S. Steel
Tadashi Imai, the newly appointed president of Nippon Steel Corp., has defended his company's proposed takeover of U.S. Steel Corp., despite opposition from the United Steelworkers Union and U.S. President Joe Biden.
In an interview with The Asahi Shimbun and other media outlets, Imai expressed his belief that Nippon Steel is the best company to help U.S. Steel grow within the United States. He emphasized the company's long history of working with American subsidiaries and its commitment to rebuilding struggling companies.
"Even today, we still have nearly 4,000 employees working for our subsidiaries in the United States," Imai said. "We have a history of rebuilding U.S. companies that had gone bankrupt and have deep roots in American society as a steelmaker."
Nippon Steel, Japan's largest steel producer, announced its $14.1 billion bid for U.S. Steel in December 2022. The iconic American manufacturer, over 120 years old, has faced challenges in recent decades due to competition from foreign rivals.
However, the proposed takeover has met with strong opposition from the United Steelworkers Union, which fears potential job losses and threats to national security. Both President Biden and former President Trump have also voiced their disapproval of the deal.
With many USW members residing in crucial swing states, including Pennsylvania where U.S. Steel is headquartered, the union's objection carries significant political weight. Both Biden and Trump are likely to face pressure to address the concerns of the USW, as even a slight shift in votes could influence the outcome of the upcoming presidential election.
Despite the opposition, Imai remains committed to pursuing the takeover bid. He plans to continue seeking understanding from U.S. officials and workers, highlighting the potential benefits of the deal for both companies and the American steel industry.