Nippon Steel unsurprised by U.S. Steel deal pushback

TOKYO — Nippon Steel said on Wednesday that pushback in America against its plan to acquire U.S. Steel was “within expectations,” citing the wave of opposition expressed by former U.S. President Donald Trump and others.

“This is an extremely beneficial deal for both countries and cannot be blocked simply because of political speculation,” Nippon Steel Executive Vice President Takahiro Mori, who is in charge of the company’s overseas business, said in an online media conference.