Biden Administration Delays Enforcement of Nippon Steel-U.S. Steel Deal Block

The Biden administration has extended the deadline for enforcing its decision to block Nippon Steel Corp.’s $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel. Originally, the administration set a 30-day enforcement period, but the new deadline has been pushed to June 18, 2025. This delay allows time for a legal review after both Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel filed lawsuits against the decision.

Biden Cites National Security Risks; Companies Fight Back

On January 3, 2025, President Joe Biden announced that he would block the Nippon Steel-U.S. Steel deal, citing national security concerns. His administration emphasized the strategic importance of a strong, domestically controlled steel industry, particularly for national defense and infrastructure projects.

However, Nippon Steel, its U.S. subsidiary (NSNA), and U.S. Steel challenged the decision in court. They argue that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) did not review the deal based on national security grounds. The companies claim the Biden administration’s decision is politically motivated and could harm U.S. economic interests. Their lawsuit aims to overturn the CFIUS review process and secure a fair and transparent reassessment of the deal.

Impact of the Delay on the Acquisition

With the extended deadline, Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel now have more time to present their case. Both companies remain confident that they can move forward with the acquisition, arguing that it will strengthen the U.S. steel industry and benefit American workers.

The agreement between the two companies remains valid until June 18, 2025, the same day the extended enforcement deadline expires.

In a joint statement, Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the best future for the American steel industry and its stakeholders. Despite ongoing legal challenges, they are determined to complete the acquisition and prove that the deal aligns with U.S. economic and industrial interests.