Nippon Steel has reported a sharp 95% drop in net profit for the fiscal year ended March, underlining the financial pressure facing one of the world’s leading steelmakers. The Japanese steel major posted net profit of 17.2 billion yen, compared with much stronger earnings a year earlier.

The result comes at a crucial time for the company, which completed its $15 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel last year and has committed major investments into the American asset. Despite the weak annual performance, Nippon Steel has projected a stronger recovery, forecasting profit of 220 billion yen for the current fiscal year.

For the global steel industry, the update highlights how large producers are balancing expansion, investment commitments and profitability challenges. Market participants will closely watch how Nippon Steel manages its U.S. operations, cost pressures and demand recovery in the months ahead.The company’s outlook suggests confidence in a turnaround, but investors and steel buyers may remain cautious until earnings momentum improves.