Nippon Steel says it is confident that its planned acquisition of US Steel is the best option to revitalize the rust belt and benefit laborers, local communities and national security.
The Japanese steelmaker made the comment on Tuesday after US Vice President Kamala Harris expressed disapproval of the deal.
It said major investment and technological innovation will help strengthen the US steel industry and increase employment.
Nippon Steel said it hopes that the effects of the acquisition will be supported by an impartial and objective review by regulators, and that the deal will be completed soon.