TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan's Nippon Steel on Monday declined to comment on U.S. President Donald Trump saying that no one can have a majority stake in acquisition target U.S. Steel.
Trump made the comment on Sunday when speaking to reporters on Air Force One. He also said the U.S. will impose 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports on top of existing duties, and that he will announce the new metals tariffs on Monday.
He said such details are likely to be discussed between Trump and Nippon Steel.
"The key point is whether Americans will feel that U.S. Steel will remain an American company," Ishiba said.
Nippon Steel on Monday declined to issue a statement on Ishiba's comments or any management meeting with Trump.
Nippon Steel's bid for U.S. Steel is central to the Japanese company's global expansion plan. It was blocked last month by then-U.S. President Joe Biden citing national security.
The firm, together with U.S. Steel, filed a number of lawsuits challenging Biden's decision.
Nippon Steel Vice Chairman Takahiro Mori last week said the Japanese company had no plan to change the acquisition structure.
(Reporting by Yuka Obayashi; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Christopher Cushing)