In an exclusive move to secure the acquisition of US Steel Corp, Japan’s Nippon Steel is stepping up its lobbying efforts, urging US President Joe Biden to approve the $15 billion deal, which has sparked growing opposition. The deal, which was recently referred to President Biden by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), has set the stage for a critical decision. With 15 days to make a ruling, the Biden administration faces pressure from multiple sides, including local governments, unions, and national security concerns.

Tadashi Imai, President of Nippon Steel, spoke to reporters on Tuesday, emphasizing the support the deal has garnered in regions where US Steel’s mills operate. "In the communities where US Steel plants are located, there is strong backing for this acquisition," Imai stated. He highlighted the potential economic benefits the deal would bring to local communities, particularly in the form of job preservation and future investment in key US facilities.

The deal has also garnered significant local political support. A letter shared by Nippon Steel with President Biden—signed by over two dozen local officials from regions hosting US Steel mills—urges the President to approve the acquisition, stressing the positive impact it would have on economic stability in these communities. “We urge you to listen to the voices of steelworkers who are calling for the approval of this deal,” the letter reads, highlighting the potential risks of leaving US Steel under its current ownership.

However, opposition to the acquisition remains fierce, particularly from the powerful United Steelworkers (USW) labor union. USW has long voiced concerns that Nippon Steel, despite its assurances, lacks a genuine commitment to the long-term viability of US Steel’s domestic operations. The union, which represents thousands of workers in US Steel plants across the country, argues that Nippon Steel’s ownership could lead to job cuts, reduced investment, and the potential closure of blast furnace operations.

In response, Nippon Steel has made a series of commitments to address these concerns, including assurances that the deal would not be a cover for importing foreign steel into the US market. Additionally, the Japanese company has pledged to continue investing in US Steel’s facilities, focusing on innovation and sustainability to bolster the company’s future in the US.

Despite these promises, USW has remained resolute, with officials stating that the acquisition poses an existential threat to both the workforce and the industry’s long-term future. "The US Steel mills are a cornerstone of American manufacturing, and we cannot risk losing control of them," said USW President Tom Conway. "We need to ensure these plants remain under domestic ownership to secure American jobs and national security."

The decision now rests with President Biden, who is under mounting pressure to weigh the strategic importance of the steel industry against the potential risks of foreign control. While the deal has substantial support at the local level, it faces significant hurdles from national security considerations and labor groups concerned about the future of American workers.

As the deadline for Biden's decision approaches, the US steel industry—and the workers who depend on it—await the final verdict that could reshape the landscape of American manufacturing for years to come.