Japan's largest steelmaker has pushed back against President Joe Biden's concerns over its plan to acquire US Steel.

Biden said on Thursday it is "vital" that the company remains American.

Officials at Nippon Steel responded on Friday, saying the deal will deliver "clear benefits" to US Steel, its workers and national security.

A statement from the company says it will "advance American priorities by driving greater quality and competitiveness." It says it will provide increased investment and advanced technologies.

Nippon Steel also pledged stronger US supply chains and "economic defenses against China."

The Japanese company said it is committed to completing the acquisition.

Executives announced plans in December for the 14-billion-dollar deal. They said US Steel would retain its name, brand and headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They promised to keep all jobs.

But US steelworkers have criticized the plan, and Biden says he supports them.

The United Steelworkers, or USW, issued a statement welcoming the president's stance. The union says his words put an end to the debate over the acquisition.

Biden has courted union voters in his bid for re-election. He and his Republican rival Donald Trump know Pennsylvania can swing from one party to another.
Trump has called the deal "horrible" and has said he would block it "instantaneously."

Global Business Alliance President & CEO Nancy McLernon, an expert on foreign investment, believes Biden's stance could impact other investments by non-US companies. She added that Japan has been the largest investor in the US in for the last couple of years. She thinks the US has always counted Japan as strong strategic ally and she hopes the president's statement does not interfere with that.

McLernon says there is a possibility that another US company will offer a buyout plan for US Steel.