US Steel Seeks Additional Values in World Steel Integration

United States Steel sales steel sheet to Japanese automobile makers in U.S.A. taking advantage of the alliance with Kobe Steel. World major steel makers focus their attention on US market, the largest auto market in the world. John P. Surma Jr., president and CEO of US Steel, explained management strategy to Japan Metal Bulletin.Mr. Surma commented on worldwide reorganization and integration of major steel makers and said that US Steel aims to take place in the business area where the firm can gain some new values. He said that the firm puts the value additional business before the size up of production volume and that the merger & acquisition can be a choice in the case to increase business values more. He gave no comment on the question whether AK Steel could be proposed for acquisition by US Steel. As to offshore business strategy, Mr. Surma said that US Steel already holds a production base in Europe which takes a good position in the market and that the firm does not plan to establish a new overseas base in other countries soon. He explained the alliance with Kobe Steel in U.S.A. is in very favorable condition in PRO-TECH Coating Company, the joint venture to produce zinc coated steel sheet. Mr.Surma evaluated Kobe Steel as an excellent business partner.