• Trump signs executive order approving Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel.
• The deal includes an $11 billion investment commitment by 2028.
• U.S. government secures a "golden share" providing oversight on key company decisions.
• Nippon Steel's shares surged following the approval, highlighting increased market confidence.
• The merger aims to bolster both firms' positions amid growing steel demand and competition.

U.S. President Donald Trump has officially approved Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel, following a complex 18-month negotiation that faced union opposition and multiple national security reviews. The approval came with the signing of an executive order that stipulated the merger could proceed provided the companies comply with a national security agreement outlined with the U.S. Treasury Department, resolving any governmental concerns regarding foreign control over a critical sector, according to SCMP and India Times.

The agreement mandates Nippon Steel’s commitment to invest an additional $11 billion into U.S. Steel by 2028, alongside efforts to establish a governance structure that includes a "golden share" for the U.S. government. This golden share will allow U.S. authorities to have veto power over key strategic decisions, thereby assuring compliance with national security interests, as detailed by India Times and Reuters.

With the acquisition's approval, Nippon Steel’s shares increased significantly on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, reflecting investor optimism following the resolution of uncertainties surrounding the merger. The company's stock rose by 3% to 2,915 yen, outperforming Japan’s Tokyo benchmark index, which indicates strong market support for Nippon Steel's growth strategy in the U.S. steel market, according to Channel News Asia and The Jakarta Post.

Nippon Steel's CEO reiterated that this merger is crucial not only for the company but also for the American economy, stating that it will help maintain hundreds of thousands of jobs across the nation as it navigates a rapidly evolving global steel market. The deal promises a restructuring that focuses on maximized production without compromising job stability, which was a concern expressed by some investors who worry about potential financial strain from such large investments, according to India Times and Channel News Asia.