Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel are in active negotiations to salvage their $14.1 billion merger deal, which has faced delays and regulatory hurdles. The Japanese steelmaker has proposed increasing its investment to $7 billion to upgrade U.S. Steel's aging facilities, significantly higher than the previously pledged $2.7 billion. The deal includes a $55 per share offer for U.S. Steel. The deal, originally announced in late 2023, has been delayed multiple times, with the latest target completion set for June 2025. Nippon Steel executives, including Vice President Takahiro Mori, are in discussions with U.S. officials to secure approval for the acquisition. The investment is aimed at modernizing Rust Belt facilities, including Big River assets, and strengthening the U.S. steel industry. U.S. Steel's stock surged over 7% in after-hours trading following reports of the increased investment proposal, while Nippon Steel's shares fell by nearly 4% in Tokyo trading. The move addresses opposition from the U.S. government and stakeholders, including Ancora Holdings Group and former President Donald Trump, who has expressed concerns about a foreign majority stake.