ArcelorMittal SA, the world’s second-largest steelmaker, is reportedly considering a potential offer for US Steel Corp, as sources familiar with the matter revealed. This potential move could mark a reversal of ArcelorMittal’s strategic focus after it sold most of its US operations to Cleveland-Cliffs Inc in 2020. The company had been concentrating on expanding in growing markets like India and Brazil. However, it seems ArcelorMittal is discussing a possible offer for US Steel with its investment bankers, though there’s no certainty the bid will proceed.

If ArcelorMittal does decide to make an offer, it could escalate an ongoing bidding war for US Steel. The company already faces competing offers from Cleveland-Cliffs and Esmark Inc, both valuing US Steel at over $7 billion. This potential development underscores the competitive nature of the steel industry and the desire of major players to acquire assets that align with their strategic goals.

The sources providing this information requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of the discussions. Neither ArcelorMittal nor US Steel have responded to requests for comments on the matter.

US Steel workers belong to the United Steel Workers (USW) union, which has endorsed the deal with Cleveland-Cliffs. This endorsement is significant as the union’s collective bargaining agreement gives it a role in the negotiations and the right to counter with its own demands. USW International President Tom Conway stated that ArcelorMittal would be “foolish” to proceed with a bid, emphasizing the union’s support for the Cleveland-Cliffs offer.

This potential development has also impacted the stock market, with US Steel shares initially rising on the news of ArcelorMittal’s bid deliberations, only to pare some of those gains due to the union’s opposition. ArcelorMittal’s considerations come after US Steel announced its exploration of interest from potential acquirers, driven by several quarters of declining revenue and profits amid high raw material and energy costs.

It’s worth noting that this possible move by ArcelorMittal contrasts with its recent focus on reducing its carbon footprint and targeting growth in India and Brazil. As analysts point out, such a bid for US Steel might not align with the company’s recent strategic direction, and cost synergies from the deal might be limited. The situation underscores the complexity of strategic decision-making in the steel industry, where economic, environmental, and competitive factors all play a significant role.