Trump says Nippon Steel will “invest heavily” in the United States steel

President Donald Trump said that Nippon Steel will decrease its offer of $ 14.9 billion (12 billion pounds) for US steel.

Speaking alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shigro Eshiba at the White House, Trump said that Nippon was “invested strongly” in the company without obtaining a majority share.

The Japanese attempt to try to seize the American steel, which is based in Pennsylvania, has been banned by President Joe Biden on national security.

The members of the Union and Trump have repeatedly criticized such a merger, which would have created one of the largest steel companies in the world.

No details of the agreement were shared on Friday, and Nippon has long stressed her plans to invest in the company.

Trump – who accidentally indicated to the company as “Nissan” – said that he will meet Nippon’s head next week “for the deal and arbitration.

In the face of political pressure, the Biden administration prevented the purchase on the basis that local property was important.

The Japanese government described Biden’s “incomprehensible” decision Ultimately, NIPPON and USSEEL filed a lawsuit.

Recently, Nippon has argued that the purchase will be “in a line” with Trump’s focus on manufacturing, creating jobs and enhancing investment in the United States.

Prime Minister Ishiba was in Washington to heat relations with the country’s main foreign partner.

Both American and Japanese officials said the main purpose of the visit is to formulate a personal relationship with Trump – who had a warm relationship with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during his first term.

The first visit by an Asian leader was to the White House since the second Trump administration began in January.

This is the second by a foreign leader during the new administration, after the trip of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week.

“On television, it is very scary,” Ishiba told reporters at the joint press conference on Friday.

“But when I met him, he was very honest. And very strong. A very strong will.”

During Trump’s first period of 2017-21, he grew near Shinzo Abe, and golf bonding. Abe resigned in 2020 and It was assassinated after two years.

Japanese officials said that Ishiba did “with all possible preparation” for his meeting with Trump, including requesting advice from the widow of Abe – who attended the opening as a guest of Melania Trump – and from his predecessor, Fumio Kishida.

Ishia also confirmed the role of Japan as a major economic partner for the United States, and highlighted that Japan was the best foreign investor in the United States for five consecutive years.

Among the multinational companies, Japanese companies are the largest job establishments in 10 larger states and the second in six others.

In Kentucky alone, Japanese companies employ more than 45,000 people, primarily in the manufacture of car equipment.

Earlier in the day, Trump said that although the tariff against Japan is still possible, he believes that the US trade deficit of $ 68 billion with Japan can be addressed and will be “very easy” for Japan.

“We have a great relationship,” he said. I don’t think we will have any problem. They also want fairness. “

When asked about the possibility of our definitions – and anti -axes – Ishiba refused to provide details.

“I cannot answer a theoretical question,” he said, which raises laughter from Trump and journalists in the room. “This is our official answer.”

(With additional reports by Natalie Sherman)