Commencement of Studies on Collaboration Measures between Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metals

Nippon Steel Corporation (”Nippon Steel”) and Sumitomo Metal Industries， Ltd. (”Sumitomo Metals”) have agreed to commence studies on collaboration measures， mainly on the following items:

[Contents of studies (examples)]

1.Study concerning steelmaking structure
Both companies will study collaboration measures as the need arises in connection with Sumitomo Metal’s studies on a more efficient steelmaking structure.

2.Study on mutual cooperation in further cost-cutting endeavors in the following areas:
?Manufacturing and distribution of steel products
?Raw materials procurement
?cooperation between nearby places of operation

3.Study on cooperation between group companies
Both companies will study measures for structural improvement through increased cooperation among subsidiaries and affiliates of both companies.
(Preceding case)
Integration of the welding products businesses of Nippon Steel Welding Products & Engineering Co.， Ltd. and Sumikin Welding Industries， Ltd.

4. Study on strengthened cooperation in individual business segments of both companies
・Stainless steel flat products
Nippon Steel is currently supplying semi-finished stainless steel to Sumitomo Metals. Both companies will study cooperation measures for further strengthening competitiveness in the future.
・H-beam
In addition to the measures now being implemented， including those for increasing efficiency in the distribution of steel products， both companies will study collaboration measures in quest of greater efficiency in operation.

For more information， please contact
Nippon Steel Corporation Public Relations Center
Corporate Secretariat Div.
Tel +81 (0)3 3275-5022
Sumitomo Metal Industries
Public Relations Group
Tel +81 (0)3 4416-6115