A group of U.S. consumers have sued Nippon Steel to block its proposed $14.9 billion purchase of U.S. Steel , saying the deal threatens to reduce competition and drive up prices for many products.

A Nippon Steel Corp. executive said he’s hopeful that a meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and US President Donald Trump will advance the company’s proposed $14.1 billion acquisition of United States Steel Corp.

Nippon Steel said its proposed takeover of US Steel matches President Trump's goal of a stronger United States, as the leaders of the U.S. and Japan prepare to meet this week.