ArcelorMittal Expands U.S. Presence with Calvert Mill Acquisition
ArcelorMittal, one of the world’s largest steel producers, has confirmed a major strategic move to strengthen its U.S. operations. In late July, the Luxembourg-based giant announced that its fully owned Calvert, Alabama, steelmaking campus is expected to reach full electric arc furnace (EAF) capacity by mid-2026. This milestone positions the Calvert mill as a cornerstone of ArcelorMittal’s long-term vision for North America.
The acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in the Calvert facility—previously shared with Nippon Steel Corp. (NSC)—was finalized as part of the NSC and U.S. Steel merger terms. Now under full ownership, ArcelorMittal will consolidate 100% of the Calvert complex’s earnings into its North America segment. This change not only boosts ArcelorMittal’s EBITDA visibility but also underscores the facility’s growing role in regional steel supply chains.
At the heart of the expansion is a newly commissioned electric arc furnace. This 1.5-million-ton-per-year unit, designed to process partially recycled steel, complements a broader 5.3-million-ton-per-year rolling and finishing operation. The first slabs were successfully produced in June, and the furnace is on track to be fully operational in 2026.
Strategic Slab Supply and Electrical Steel Projects Bolster Growth
In parallel with ramping up EAF production, ArcelorMittal secured a seven-year domestic slab supply agreement with the newly merged NSC/U.S. Steel entity. This deal guarantees a consistent stream of U.S.-melted and poured material, aligning with domestic sourcing preferences and reducing reliance on imports. It also ensures that the Calvert operation has reliable feedstock while the EAF builds toward full utilization.
Looking beyond 2026, ArcelorMittal plans to diversify the Calvert site’s product offering. A dedicated line for non-grain-oriented electrical steel (NOES) is slated for launch in the first half of 2027. This specialized steel is essential for electric motors, transformers, and other energy transition technologies—highlighting ArcelorMittal’s pivot toward future-ready materials.
As Calvert scales its steel production and electrical steel capabilities, the facility becomes not just a manufacturing hub but also a symbol of ArcelorMittal’s commitment to modern, low-emission, U.S.-based steelmaking.
SuperMetalPrice Commentary:
ArcelorMittal’s expansion at the Alabama steel mill represents a decisive shift toward U.S.-centric operations, backed by modern EAF technology and strategic partnerships. With the facility ramping up to full EAF capacity in 2026 and an eye on electrical steel markets in 2027, ArcelorMittal is clearly positioning itself to meet rising domestic demand, driven by infrastructure investment and the energy transition. This bold move also reduces exposure to international logistics risks and reflects broader reshoring trends across the metals sector.
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