Biden opposes Japanese takeover of US Steel, touts ‘American steel workers’

US president’s remarks come as he is seeking to shore up support in key swing state of Pennsylvania.

United States President Joe Biden has opposed the proposed sale of a Pittsburgh-based steel manufacturer to Japan’s largest steel producer, insisting on the need for “strong American steel companies powered by American steelworkers”.

Biden’s opposition to US Steel’s acquisition by Nippon Steel comes as the Democrat is looking to shore up support among unions and blue-collar workers in the key swing state of Pennsylvania ahead of November’s presidential election.

Biden won Pennsylvania by fewer than 100,000 votes in 2020, after former President Donald Trump in 2016 became the first Republican to carry the state since 1988.

Trump said earlier this year that he would block the deal, describing the proposed takeover of the US brand as “a horrible thing”.

“I told our steelworkers I have their backs, and I meant it,” Biden said in a statement on Thursday.