U. S. Steel Strengthens Arkansas Economy with Jobs, Local Investment, and Community Impact
November 18, 2025
U. S. Steel Drives $2 Billion Annual Impact in Arkansas, Supporting Nearly
5,000 Jobs
OSCEOLA, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE) -- United States Steel Corporation (“U. S. Steel”) operations in Arkansas—including Big River Steel in Osceola and Wheeling Machine Products in Pine Bluff—contributed more than $2 billion to local and state economies in Fiscal Year 2024, according to an economic impact study released today. The study further concludes that U. S. Steel’s economic activity supported or sustained 4,725 total jobs, nearly three times more than in 2022. With the addition of a second mini mill steelmaking facility in Osceola and new investments in advanced, low-carbon steel production, U. S. Steel is driving transformative growth across the state and region.
“In just two years, our economic impact in Arkansas has grown fivefold to $2 billion, supporting nearly 5,000 total jobs and generating $45.2 million in state and local taxes for schools and local services,” said David B. Burritt, President and Chief Executive Officer of U. S. Steel. “With our $3 billion investment in a next-generation electric arc furnace mini mill and our partnership with Nippon Steel, Arkansas is becoming a global hub for advanced, sustainable steelmaking.”
“U. S. Steel has built a second home in Arkansas and helped transform Northeast Arkansas and turn Mississippi County into the top steel-producing county in the United States,” said Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “This economic impact report puts numbers behind what Arkansans already know: U. S. Steel is propelling Arkansas’ industrial capacity and growing businesses up and down the supply chain. We are thrilled with the impact they have already had and are excited to be a ready partner for years to come.”
By offering competitive wages, which attract talent to the area and provide an opportunity to improve the standard of living, U. S. Steel jobs have a profound impact on Arkansas residents.
“The impact of U. S. Steel reaches far beyond the city limits of Osceola. Their presence has energized the entire Delta region, spurring additional development, lifting surrounding communities, and helping position Northeast Arkansas as a world leader in advanced manufacturing,” said Osceola Mayor Joe Harris, Jr. "Osceola, the Delta, and even areas well beyond our borders are better off today because of U. S. Steel’s innovation, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people who call this region home.“
“It’s a priority for U. S. Steel to be a meaningful contributor to the communities in which we operate,” said Dan Brown, U. S. Steel’s Executive Vice President, Advanced Technology Steelmaking and Chief Operating Officer, Big River Steel Works. “It’s rewarding to be part of the transformation taking place in Arkansas and to see the state become a powerhouse in steelmaking.”
Highlights from the FY2024 report include:
- $2.0 billion total economic impact of U. S. Steel’s operations in Arkansas.
- $894.6 million value added impact to the Arkansas economy.
- 4,725 total jobs supported, including 1,712 direct employees in Osceola and Pine Bluff.
- $45.2 million in state and local taxes.
- Partnerships with 541 Arkansas-based suppliers, boosting local businesses and regional resilience.
- $2.6 million invested in communities through charitable giving and employee donations and volunteerism to healthcare organizations, schools, and other community organizations.
- A $3 billion investment in a next-generation electric arc furnace (EAF) mini mill, cutting carbon emissions up to 80% compared to traditional steelmaking.
“Since coming to Arkansas, it’s clear that U. S. Steel has been intentional about helping grow our communities,” said Arkansas State Senator Dave Wallace. “Their impact is felt across the state, supporting families, strengthening small businesses, and fueling regional economic growth. They are true partners and active members of our community.”
In the analysis, the study considered the direct spending on operations, pay, benefits, and capital projects by U. S. Steel and the estimated increase in demand for goods and services in industry sectors that supply or support the company. The study also measured the impact of charitable giving by U. S. Steel and its employees.
The study, commissioned by U. S. Steel, was conducted by Parker Strategy Group, a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in economic impact analysis.
“In two years, U. S. Steel has become one of Arkansas’ largest private investors,” said Nichole Parker, Principal of Parker Strategy Group. “With its investment in advanced steelmaking, U. S. Steel is contributing both to near-term growth and to the long-term competitiveness of American manufacturing.”
To view the full report and learn more about U. S. Steel’s community engagement in Arkansas, click here.
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About U. S. Steel
Founded in 1901, U. S. Steel delivers profitable and sustainable steel solutions. Propelled by its talented employees and an unwavering focus on safety, U. S. Steel serves the automotive, construction, appliance, energy, containers, and packaging industries with high value-added steel products. Steel production begins with our competitively advantaged iron ore production capabilities which fuel our integrated steelmaking facilities and investments in electric arc furnaces. To help our customers create the best products with the fewest emissions, we are committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. U. S. Steel is at the forefront of creating steels that are stronger, lighter, and better for the environment. This includes our proprietary XG3® advanced high-strength steel, verdeX® steel produced with 70-80% lower CO2 emissions with a recycled content of up to 90%, and ultra-thin lightweight InduX™ steel for electric vehicles, generators, and transformers. U. S. Steel maintains operations across the United States and in Central Europe and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For more information, please visit www.ussteel.com and follow U. S. Steel on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.