An arbitration board has given U.S. Steel the go-ahead to continue with its proposed sale to Japan-based Nippon Steel. 

United Steelworkers (USW) had filed grievances against U.S. Steel in January, claiming that the company's potential sale had violated the union's successorship clause. According to the Associated Press, USW has been concerned about a lack of transparency into Nippon's finances, and whether a sale to the Japanese company could lead to issues with supply chains, national defense and infrastructure. After hearing from both the union and U.S. Steel, the arbitration board ruled in favor of the sale, noting that Nippon has promised to invest $1.4 billion in facilities with USW representation, and not conduct layoffs or close any plants while the union's existing labor deal remains in place. 

The proposed $15 billion sale was first announced in December of 2023. In early September 2024, the White House's foreign investment committee sent a letter to U.S. Steel, over concerns that selling the business to a foreign company could compromise national security. Around that same time, rumors began to surface claiming that President Biden was looking to block the sale, although the White House has not confirmed that through any official channels. Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Donald Trump have also all made it clear that they believe the company should remain American-owned.