President Biden is expected to block Nippon Steel's $14 billion acquisition of US Steel on national security grounds, with his decision expected as early as Friday. This expansion of executive authority could significantly impact US foreign investment practices and strain relations with Japan, a key ally and major investor in the US.
Background: The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States expressed concerns that the deal could threaten national security by potentially diminishing American steel production. While CFIUS did not make a formal recommendation, they questioned whether Nippon's global business interests might override their commitments to invest in US Steel.
Nippon Steel has strongly contested these concerns, accusing the White House of overreach in the process and arguing that CFIUS's concerns were based on inaccuracies and unfounded hypotheticals. The Japanese company has threatened to pursue legal action if the deal is blocked. US Steel continues to support the acquisition.
The decision comes after the deal has been swept up in election year politics and marks a departure from America's traditionally open investment environment, potentially affecting future foreign investments in sensitive US industries.
With the US leading production and China driving new reactor development, Bank of America breaks down the who, what, where, when, and why behind nuclear’s return. Stay ahead of global energy trends with Bank of America Institute.
Chris, an Army veteran, started his Walmart journey over 25 years ago as an hourly associate. Today, he manages a Distribution Center and serves as a mentor, helping others navigate their own paths to success. At Walmart, associates have the opportunity to take advantage of the pathways, perks, and pay that come with the job — with or without a college degree. In fact, more than 75% of Walmart management started as hourly associates. Learn more about how over 130,000 associates were promoted into roles of greater responsibility and higher pay in FY25.
Last week, at the Munich Security Conference, a group of global technology providers, including Microsoft, announced the Trusted Tech Alliance — committed to shared, verifiable principles for trusted, transparent, and resilient technology across borders. At a moment of economic volatility and zero-sum technological competition, countries and customers are demanding greater accountability from technology providers. The Alliance addresses this by bringing together companies from across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America around shared commitments: transparent governance, secure development practices, supply chain oversight, open digital ecosystem, and respect for the rule of law — ensuring the benefits of emerging technologies strengthen public trust while driving job creation and economic growth. Explore the Trusted Tech Alliance here.