An executive with Nippon Steel says the conclusion of the United States presidential election has cleared the way for the Japanese firm to complete its purchase of US Steel.

Vice Chairman Mori Takahiro says he expects the deal to be done under the current administration before the end of the year.

Mori said: "I think we finally have an environment where we can discuss the matter calmly and properly. I believe we can definitely close this deal by the end of the year."

He also says the only thing needed now is for the US government to give the green light. He says all the checks need to be wrapped up by a certain date.

The deal has come under scrutiny from a US government committee that's assessing the possible impact on national security. The Department of Justice is also investigating potential antitrust concerns.

In the lead-up to the election, President-elect Donald Trump promised to block the planned takeover. But Mori says Trump hasn't made any unfavorable comments since American media reported that some US Steel employees now support the deal.

The United Steelworkers union has previously said it opposes the purchase.