NEXI-Backed Insurance Powers American Katerra’s Expansion as Japan’s $550 Billion Investment

In further proof of the strengthening Japan-US relationship, it was reported that Yamaguchi Heavy Industries has invested in the US company, American Katerra LLC, with support from Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI). This marks the first overseas location established by Yamaguchi Heavy Industries and aligns with the initial projects agreed upon to enhance US-Japan economic relations and strengthen the steel industry. It might also be considered as one of the investments that Japan and the US agreed on $550 billion framework for joint investments, financing, and loan guarantees.

Recently established in the U.S., American Katerra will provide steel fabrication services utilizing advanced decarbonization technologies such as Green Carbon Steel™ and Blue Carbon Steel™, as well as Building Information Modeling (BIM) services. The company is well-positioned to deliver cutting-edge, low-emission steel solutions. The equity and subordinated loans each amount to about $1 million, and the full amount is covered by NEXI through overseas investment insurance and overseas business loan insurance with subordinated loan provisions, providing protection against special risks for approximately five years.

Yamaguchi Heavy Industries, a leading Japanese fabricator focused on steel manufacturing and sales with an emphasis on decarbonization, has been actively implementing advanced innovations such as AI, IoT, and robotics to expand its global presence. Its entry into the vast U.S. market also contributes to the advancement of carbon-neutral initiatives by adopting GX (Green Transformation) technologies, which reduce CO2 emissions during production. This effort aligns with the Japanese government’s thematic objectives as outlined in the “The Trade White Paper 2025” and “Trade Strategy 2025,” which emphasize that Japan’s SMEs should drive international business expansion to support Japan’s economic growth.

This announcement aligns seamlessly with a continuum of strategic financing. In March 2024, Yamaguchi Heavy Industries received a 100 million JPY Sustainability-Linked Loan from YMFG Capital, designed to promote low-carbon products, overseas expansion, and ESG goals through specific KPIs aligned with UNEP FI principles.

Overlaying this financial progression is the broader policy context: on September 4, 2025, Japan’s Economy Revitalization Minister Akazawa and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Lutnick signed a memorandum launching a USD 550 billion framework for joint investments, financing, and loan guarantees—reinforcing strategic collaboration between the two governments.

In this environment, NEXI’s involvement in insuring the extension of Yamaguchi Heavy Industries’ investment in American Katerra would underscore how public-sector risk mitigation mechanisms are enabling private-sector execution of cross-border industrial and decarbonization goals. Yamaguchi Heavy Industries’ financing strategy—rooted in sustainable, KPI-linked credit and bolstered by export credit insurance—exemplifies how private-sector commitments can follow and reinforce government-led economic diplomacy, propelling U.S. market penetration in alignment with national strategic priorities.

The formation of American Katerra LLC perfectly fits this new investment framework. Together with the Japanese government, we will invest in the U.S. and create jobs, enabling the American steel industry to continue growing and strengthening the U.S. economy. Companies like American Katerra, which leverage innovative U.S. manufacturing techniques, will play a key role in building a sustainable future and forging stronger trans-Pacific economic ties.

We are excited about this new chapter and remain committed to providing our U.S. customers with superior, environmentally responsible steel products. Follow us on our website for further updates on our progress and the ways we are revolutionizing the industry for a sustainable tomorrow.