Nippon Steel Secures $5.6B in Loans to Support U.S. Steel Acquisition

Japan’s Nippon Steel announced plans to raise 800 billion yen ($5.6 billion) through two subordinated loans to help finance its $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel and manage existing debt. The strategic funding move supports the company's ambitious expansion into the U.S. market while reinforcing its balance sheet.

Of the total amount, 500 billion yen will go toward partially repaying a 2 trillion yen bridge loan secured in June for the U.S. Steel deal. The remaining 300 billion yen will refinance a previous 450 billion yen subordinated loan, further streamlining the company's debt structure.

The 500 billion yen loan will be backed by Japan’s three megabanks—Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (NYSE: MUFG), Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (NYSE: SMFG), and Mizuho Financial Group (NYSE: MFG)—alongside Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group and the Development Bank of Japan. This loan is expected to be completed by September 18, according to a Nippon Steel spokesperson.

Meanwhile, the 300 billion yen refinancing loan will be funded by the three megabanks and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust. Nippon Steel said it will explore additional financing options for the remaining 1.5 trillion yen of the original bridge loan, considering market conditions, interest rates, and other economic factors.

The acquisition of U.S. Steel, one of America’s most iconic industrial firms, represents a major global expansion move for Nippon Steel, positioning it as a more dominant force in the global steel industry. The deal, once finalized, is expected to reshape the competitive landscape of steel production amid ongoing geopolitical and economic shifts.

This bold financial strategy reflects Nippon Steel’s confidence in long-term global demand for steel and its commitment to maintaining financial stability while pursuing aggressive growth.