In a flurry of activity surrounding the potential acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel, two major domestic steelmakers, Cleveland-Cliffs and Nucor, have expressed interest in acquiring parts of U.S. Steel’s assets should the merger fall through.

Cliffs and Nucor Eye U.S. Steel’s Assets

Reports indicate that Cleveland-Cliffs is particularly interested in acquiring most of U.S. Steel’s assets, with the exception of the Big River Steel minimill operation in Arkansas. Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves confirmed his company’s interest, stating that they have an “all-American solution” to save U.S. Steel Corporation, but refrained from providing further details until the deal with Nippon Steel is officially abandoned.

While President Biden has blocked the merger between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel, the decision has been delayed until June. Both U.S. Steel and Nippon have filed lawsuits challenging the ruling, along with another lawsuit against Cleveland-Cliffs and the United Steelworkers (USW).