To realize the production and supply of steel products required for a sustainable society, Nippon Steel is making various initiatives and DX (digital transformation) for stable procurement, stable production, and shipping in all aspects of the supply chain, from the procurement of raw materials, fuel, equipment, and materials to the shipment to customers.

The economic development of emerging countries is a major element of change in the global purchasing environment, requiring Nippon Steel to make strategic purchasing to enhance manufacturing capabilities. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly important for not merely our Company but also our entire supply chain to fulfill social responsibilities in order to realize a sustainable society. Against this background, we steadily and continuously procure raw materials, other materials, and equipment to achieve a stable supply of steel products for a sustainable society.

In terms of procurement of raw materials and fuels, we are sourcing from suppliers worldwide, including Australia, North America, South America, and South Africa, for a stable supply of more than 100 million tons of raw materials for the steelworks. The supply of materials is mainly iron ore and coal. In the procurement of equipment and materials, we purchase around one million product items of equipment and materials — from gigantic facilities such as blast furnaces to electric and mechanical products as well as safety, emergency, and office supplies — from about 3,000 suppliers.

In engaging in these procurement activities, we are committed to compliance with laws and regulations, consideration of environmental conservation, elimination of racial discrimination and human rights abuses, confidentiality, and thorough information management as prerequisites. We then strive to maintain and improve mutual understanding and trust with suppliers from a long-term perspective. In July 2020, upon affirming agreement with efforts made by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, we made a declaration for the establishment of partnership relations with suppliers and other business partners to establish cooperative and co-existing relationships.

In addition, based on the Nippon Steel Group Human Rights Policy adopted on April 1, 2024, we continue to conduct procurement activities with high ethical standards while giving maximum consideration to respect for human rights.

With regard to equipment and materials for which we have business relationships with many suppliers, we conduct a “Partners Questionnaire” every year to deepen mutual understanding and aim for sustainable development together with our suppliers. The information received is used to formulate various measures to strengthen cooperation and collaboration with suppliers.

Partnerships with Suppliers*Number in parenthesis: implementation year

• Machinery & Materials Procurement Div. Partnership Award Program (2015-21)(2015-21)
• Partnership with Rio Tinto(2021)(318KB)
• Support for Declaration of Partnership Building launched by the Cabinet Office, Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, etc.(2020)