20072008

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 20072008

Commission file number 1-16811

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

600 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-2800

(Address of principal executive offices)

Tel. No. (412) 433-1121

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.   Yes    ü    No            

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes             No    ü    

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for at least the past 90 days.  Yes    ü    No            

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.ü            

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

Yes             No    ü    

Aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 20072008 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter): $12.8$21.6 billion. The amount shown is based on the closing price of the registrant’s Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange composite tape on that date. Shares of Common Stock held by executive officers and directors of the registrant are not included in the computation. However, the registrant has made no determination that such individuals are “affiliates” within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933.

There were 117,798,740116,198,090 shares of United States Steel Corporation Common Stock outstanding as of February 26, 2008.20, 2009.

Documents Incorporated By Reference:

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 20082009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated into Part III.

INDEX

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain sections of the Annual Report of United States Steel Corporation (U. S. Steel) on Form 10-K, particularly Item 1. Business, Item 3. Legal Proceedings, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, include forward-looking statements concerning trends or events potentially affecting U. S. Steel. These statements typically contain words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects” or similar words indicating that future outcomes are uncertain. In accordance with “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, these statements are accompanied by cautionary language identifying important factors, though not necessarily all such factors, that could cause future outcomes to differ materially from those set forth in forward-looking statements. For additional factors affecting the businesses of U. S. Steel, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Supplementary Data – Disclosures About Forward-Looking Statements.” References in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “U. S. Steel”,Steel,” “the Company”, “we”,Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to U. S. Steel and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated by the context.

PART I

Item 1. BUSINESS

U. S. Steel is an integrated steel producer with major production operations in North America and Central Europe. An integrated producer uses iron ore and coke as primary raw materials for steel production. U. S. Steel has annual raw steel production capability of 31.7 million net tons (tons) (24.3 million tons in North America and 7.4 million tons in Central Europe) and is. We believe that we are currently the fiftheighth largest steel producer in the world. U. S. Steel is also engaged in several other business activities most of which are related to steel manufacturing. These includeincluding the production of coke in both North America and Central Europe;Europe and the production of iron ore pellets from taconite,in North America, and transportation services (railroad and barge operations), real estate operations, and engineering and consulting services in North America.

The global economic recession has affected many of the markets that we serve and is having significant negative effects on our business. For further discussion, see “Business Strategy,” “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Overview,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity” and “Supplementary Data – Disclosures About Forward-Looking Statements.”

On February 6, 2009, U. S. Steel announced that approximately 500 employees have elected to retire under a Voluntary Early Retirement Program (VERP) offered to certain non-represented Headquarters and Operations employees in the United States who met age and years-of-service criteria. In connection with this program, U. S. Steel will record a pre-tax charge of approximately $70 million in the first quarter of 2009. See Note 28 to the Financial Statements.

On January 31, 2009, we completed the sale of a majority of the operating assets of Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company (EJ&E) to a subsidiary of Canadian National Railway Company. After-tax proceeds from the sale were approximately $210 million and U. S. Steel will record a net gain of approximately $60 million in the first quarter of 2009. The retained portion of EJ&E has been renamed Gary Railway Company. See Note 5 to the Financial Statements.

On October 31, 2008, U. S. Steel acquired the interests in the Clairton 1314B Partnership, L.P. (1314B) held by unrelated parties for $104 million, and 1314B was terminated. 1314B’s financial results had been consolidated in U. S. Steel’s financial statements prior to October 31, 2008. There was no change in the operations at the Clairton Plant as a result of the transaction.

On August 29, 2008, U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (USSC) paid C$38 million (approximately $36 million) to acquire three pickle lines in Nanticoke, Ontario from Nelson Steel, a division of Samuel Manu-Tech Inc. The acquisition of the pickle lines strengthens USSC’s position as a premier supplier of flat-rolled steel products to the North American market. The results of operations for these facilities are included in our Flat-rolled segment as of the date of the acquisition.

We completed two significant acquisitions in 2007 aimed at strengthening our presence in the North American flat-rolled and tubular markets.

On June 14, 2007, U. S. Steel acquired all of the outstanding shares of Lone Star Technologies, Inc. (Lone Star), a domestic manufacturer of welded oil country tubular goods (OCTG), standard and line pipe and tubular couplings, and a provider of finishing services. See Note 4 to the Financial Statements for information regarding the acquisition. The facilities that were acquired in the Lone Star transaction included the Lone Star Steel Company facility, located in Lone Star, Texas, that manufactures OCTG products and standard and line pipe and specialty tubing products (renamed Texas Operations); the Wheeling Machine Products, Inc. and Wheeling Machine Products of Texas, Inc. facilities, located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and Hughes Springs and Houston, Texas, that supply couplings used to connect individual sections of oilfield casing and tubing (renamed Wheeling Machine Products); the Delta Tubular Processing, Inc. facility, located in Houston Texas, that provides thermal treating and end-finishing services for oilfield production tubing (renamed Tubular Processing Services); the Delta Tubular International, Inc. facility, located in Houston, Texas, that provides threading, inspection and storage services to the OCTG market (renamed Tubular Threading and Inspection Services); the Bellville Tube Company, L.P. facility,

located in Bellville, Texas, that manufactures OCTG products (renamed Bellville Operations); and several Fintube Technologies, Inc. facilities that manufacture specialty tubular products used in heat recovery technology applications (Fintube Technologies). We also acquired the Texas & Northern Railroad Company (the T(T&N Railroad) and a 50 percent ownership interest in Apolo Tubulars S.A., a Brazilian supplier of welded casing, tubing, line pipe and other tubular products. Effective June 14, 2007, the Tubular segment includes the operating results of the facilities and the equity investee acquired from Lone Star, except for the results of the T&N Railroad, which are included in Other Businesses as of such date.

On October 31, 2007, U. S. Steel acquired all of the outstanding shares of Stelco Inc. (Stelco), and renamed it U. S. Steel Canada Inc. (USSC).USSC. The facilities that were acquired included Lake Erie Works, an integrated steelmaking facility in Nanticoke, Ontario; Hamilton Works, an integrated steelmaking facility in Hamilton, Ontario; and several joint venture interests including iron ore operations in the United States and Canada and a 60 percent interest in Z-Line Company, which owns and operates an automotive-quality hot dip galvanizing line. We also acquired approximately 4,000 acres of land in Ontario, Canada, which could potentially be sold or developed. Effective October 31, 2007, the Flat-rolled segment includes the operating results of USSC, except for the results of its iron ore and real estate interests, which are included in Other Businesses as of such date.

On September 26, 2007, U. S. Steel and Canadian National Railway Company (CN) announced that they had entered into an agreement under which CN will acquireSee Note 4 to the majority of the operating assets of Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway CompanyFinancial Statements for $300 million. Under the agreement, U. S. Steel will retain railroad assets, equipment, and employees that support Gary Works in northwest Indiana. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.further information regarding these acquisitions.

Segments

During 2007, U. S. Steel hadhas three reportable operating segments: Flat-rolled Products (Flat-rolled), U. S. Steel Europe (USSE) and Tubular Products (Tubular). The results of several operating segments that do not constitute reportable segments are combined and disclosed in the Other Businesses category.

Effective with the fourth quarter of 2008, the operating results of our iron ore operations, which were previously included in Other Businesses, are included in the Flat-rolled segment. The iron ore operations are managed as part of our Flat-rolled segment, which consumes almost all of our iron ore production. Prior periods have been restated to reflect this change.

The Flat-rolled segment includes the operating results of U. S. Steel’s North American integrated steel mills and equity investees involved in the production of slabs, sheets, tin mill products, strip mill plates and rounds for Tubular, as well as all iron ore and coke production facilities in North America. These operations are principally located in the United States and Canada andCanada. These operations primarily serve North American customers in the service center, conversion, transportation (including automotive), construction, container, and appliance and electrical markets. Effective October 31, 2007, the Flat-rolled segment includes the operating results of USSC, excluding the results of its iron ore and real estate interests.

The acquisition of USSC increased Flat-rolled’sFlat-rolled has annual raw steel production capability by 4.9 million tons, or 25 percent, toof 24.3 million tons. Raw steel production was 19.2 million tons in 2008, 16.8 million tons in 2007 including production from USSC following the acquisition,and 16.4 million tons in 2006 and 15.3 million tons in 2005.2006. Raw steel production averaged 79 percent of capability in 2008, 83 percent of capability in 2007 including results from USSC following the acquisition,and 84 percent of capability in 2006 and 79 percent of capability in 2005.2006.

The USSE segment includes the operating results of U. S. Steel KosiceKošice (USSK), U. S. Steel’s integrated steel mill and coke production facilities in Slovakia; and U. S. Steel Serbia (USSS), U. S. Steel’s integrated steel mill and other facilities in Serbia.Serbia; and equity investees located in Europe. USSE primarily serves customers in the central, western and southern European construction, service center, conversion, container, transportation (including automotive), appliance and electrical, and oil, gas and petrochemical markets. USSE produces and sells sheet, strip mill plate, tin mill and tubular products, as well as heating radiators and refractories.

USSE has annual raw steel production capability of 7.4 million tons. USSE’s raw steel production was 6.4 million tons in 2008, 6.8 million tons in 2007 and 7.1 million tons in 2006 and 5.9 million tons in 2005.2006. USSE’s raw steel production averaged 86 percent of capability in 2008, 92 percent of capability in 2007 and 95 percent of capability in 2006 and 80 percent of capability in 2005.2006.

The Tubular segment includes the operating results of U. S. Steel’s tubular production facilities.facilities, primarily in the United States, and equity investees in the United States and Brazil. These operations which produce and sell both seamless and electric resistance welded (ERW) tubular products are principally located in the United States and primarily serve customers in the oil, gas and petrochemical markets. Effective June 14, 2007, the Tubular segment includes the operating results of the facilities acquired from Lone Star, excluding the results of the T&N Railroad. The acquisition increased Tubular’s annual production capability by 1.0 million tons tois 2.8 million tons.

All other U. S. Steel businesses not included in reportable segments are reflected in Other Businesses. These businesses include the production and sale of iron ore pellets, transportation services, the management and development of real estate, and engineering and consulting services. Effective June 14, 2007, Other Businesses includes the operating results of the T&N Railroad. Effective October 31, 2007, Other Businesses includes the operating results of USSC’s iron ore and real estate interests.

For further information, see Note 3 to the Financial Statements.

Financial and Operational Highlights

Net Sales by Segment

The following table sets forth the total net sales of U. S. SteelNet Sales by segment for each of the last three years.Segment

Income (Loss) from Operations (IFO)

Income from Operations by Segment^(a)

The following table sets forth income from operations by segment for each of the last three years.

Steel Shipments

Steel Shipments by Product

Steel Shipments by Product and Segment

The following table displays steel shipment data for U. S. Steel by product and segment for 2007, 2006 and 2005. Such data does not include shipments by joint ventures and other equity investees of U. S. Steel.

(Thousands of Tons)

Steel Shipments by Market

Steel Shipments by Market and Segment

The following table displays steel shipment data for U. S. Steel by major market and segment for 2007, 2006 and 2005. Such data does not include shipments by joint ventures and other equity investees of U. S. Steel. No single customer accounted for more than 10 percent of gross annual revenues; however, Tubular has one customer that accounted for more than 10 percent of segment revenues.

(Thousands of Tons)

Business Strategy

U. S. Steel strives to be forward-looking, to grow responsibly, to generate a competitive return on capital and to meet our financial and stakeholder obligations. Within this value framework, our business strategy is to becomebe a world leader in safety and environmental performance; to continue to increase our value-added product mix; to further expand our global business platform; to maintain a strong capital structure, balance sheet and balance sheet;liquidity position; to improve our reliability and cost competitiveness; and to attract and retain a diverse workforce with the talent and skills needed for our long-term success.

Commercially,In the near term, our strategy is to carefully monitor the impact of the current economic situation on our customers and to adjust our operations to efficiently meet their requirements. In late 2008 and early 2009, we have reduced production levels to correspond with customer order rates by temporarily idling certain facilities and cutting back production at others. We also have significantly reduced planned capital expenditures, reduced our inventory levels, placed a temporary freeze on salaries and hiring, offered a VERP which has been accepted by approximately 500 non-represented Headquarters and Operations employees in the United States, suspended the company match on employees’ 401(k) plan contributions, suspended our common stock buyback program and discontinued all non-essential spending for travel and entertainment and outside services in an effort to maximize liquidity and lower costs. We do not know when conditions may improve, but we are well positioned to fully participate in a market recovery when it occurs. In the meantime, we continue aggressive efforts to maximize liquidity and reduce costs and will take additional actions as market conditions warrant.

Over the longer term, commercially we are focused on providing value-added steel products including advanced high strength steel and coated sheets for the automotive and appliance industries, electrical steel sheets for the manufacture of motors and electrical equipment, galvanized and Galvalume^® sheets for the construction industry, tin mill products for the container industry and oil country tubular goods for the oil and gas industry. In addition, our European operations have concentratedconcentrate on meetingbeing a dependable source of high-quality steel to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding central European markets for a dependable source of high-quality steel.markets.

Our balanced approach to the allocation of our capital resources and free cash flow has produced significant returns. Since our separation from Marathon Oil Company at the end of 2001,2001: we have completed four major acquisitions (National Steel Corporation (National Steel) and USSS in 2003, and Lone Star and USSC in 2007), which increased our annual raw steel production capability by almost 80 percent to 31.7 million tons and increased our tubular production capability by more than 50 percent to 2.8 million tons; we have made capital investments in excess of $3 billion, including the construction of an automotive-quality galvanizing line in Slovakia and the reconstruction of our largest blast furnace at Gary Works;almost $4 billion; we have made voluntary contributions in excess of $900 million$1 billion to our main defined benefit pension plan and to our trusts for retiree health care and life insurance; we have repurchased over 1416 million common shares for over $800 million;$1 billion; we have increased the annual common stock dividend by 500 percent;from $0.20 to $1.20 per share; and we have increased our liquidity by almost $900 million.$1.4 billion.

We have also made significant improvements in our safety performance as shown in the following graphs.

We will continue to assess North American and international expansion opportunities, including raw material operations, and carefully weigh them in light of changing global steel and financial market conditions and long-term value considerations. We may consider 100 percent acquisition opportunities, joint ventures and other arrangements.

We also continue to assess and make capital investments in our existing facilities with particular emphasis on our raw materials and blast furnace operations. We have recently completed blast furnace reline projects at USSK and USSS. In November, we announced thatresponse to the current economic conditions, we are considering investing $1 billionfocusing our capital spending on non-discretionary and key strategic projects. We are continuing with our plans for a significant capital investment over a period of years for new

coke oven batteries at our Clairton Plant, in part replacing existing batteries that are nearing the end of their useful lives and rehabilitating several other existing batteries. We are also pursuing an opportunity withcurrently in the first phase of this investment, which includes construction of a technologically and environmentally advanced coke battery that will replace the current capacity of three older units, and rehabilitation of several existing coke batteries. Also, Gateway Energy & Coke Company, LLC (Gateway), an affiliate of SunCoke Energy, Inc. to construct, is in the process of constructing a coke plant to supply Granite City Works, while we are constructing a cogeneration facility that is contingent upon obtaining the necessary permits. Also, in February 2008,will utilize by-products and that we will own and operate. A previously announced a capital investment program in excess of $300 million at our iron ore pellet operations in Keewatin, Minnesota to increase production by modernizing and improving a pellet indurating line that has been idle since 1980.1980 is currently in the permitting process, but we expect this project to be deferred beyond 2009.

We are currently implementingalso continuing our efforts to implement an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to help us operate more efficiently. Minor portions of the project were implemented in 2008; however, we have extended the overall implementation schedule. The implementationcompletion of the ERP systemproject is expected to provide further opportunities to streamline, standardize and centralize business processes in order to maximize cost effectiveness, efficiency and control across our global operations.

The foregoing statements of belief are forward-looking statements. Predictions regarding capital investments and benefits resulting from the implementation of the ERP systemproject are subject to uncertainties. Factors that may affect our ability to construct new facilities include levels of cash flow from operations, general economic conditions, business conditions, availability of capital, whether or not assets are purchased or financed by operating leases, receipt of necessary permits and unforeseen hazards such as contractor performance, material shortages, weather conditions, explosions or fires, which could delay the timing of completion of particular capital projects. We may not be able to successfully implement the ERP programproject without experiencing difficulties. In addition, the

expected benefits of implementing the ERP systemproject might not be realized or the costs of implementation might outweigh the realized benefits. The acquisitions of USSC and the former Lone Star facilities have made this process more complex.benefits realized. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements.

Given the largerecent VERP and the number of remaining employees eligible for retirement in the near future (see “Risk Factors – Other Risk Factors applicable to U. S. Steel”), recruiting, developing and retaining a diverse workforce and a world-class leadership team are crucial to the long-term success of our company. However, in light of current business conditions, we have revised our near-term recruiting plans.

Steel Industry Background and Competition

The global steel industry is cyclical, highly competitive and has historically been characterized by overcapacity.

We believe that U. S. Steel is currently the fiftheighth largest steel producer in the world, the largest integrated steel producer headquartered in North America, and one of the largest integrated flat-rolled producers in Central Europe. U. S. Steel competes with many North American and international steel producers. Competitors include integrated producers which, like U. S. Steel, use iron ore and coke as primary raw materials for steel production, and mini-mills, which primarily use steel scrap and, increasingly, iron-bearing feedstocks as raw materials.

Mini-mills typically require lower capital expenditures for construction of facilities and may have lower total employment costs; however, these competitive advantages may be more than offset by the cost of scrap when scrap prices are high. Some mini-mills utilize thin slab casting technology to produce flat-rolled products and are increasingly able to compete directly with integrated producers of flat-rolled products, who are able to manufacture a broader range of products. U. S. Steel provides defined benefit pension and/or other postretirement benefits to approximately 134,000130,000 retirees and beneficiaries (including certain former employees of National Steel).beneficiaries. Mini-mills and most of our other competitors do not have comparable retiree obligations.

Also, international competitors may have lower labor costs than U.S. producers and some are owned, controlled or subsidized by their governments, allowing their production and pricing decisions to be influenced by political, social and economic policy considerations, as well as prevailing market conditions. We also face competition in many markets from producers of materials such as aluminum, cement, composites, glass, plastics and wood.

Due primarily to growthThe recent significant reduction in worldwideglobal steel production especially in China,late 2008 and into 2009 has resulted in decreases in many raw materials prices. We expect that such prices will rebound when global steel production returns to more customary levels. In contrast, prices for steelmaking commodities such as steel scrap, coal, coke, iron ore, zinc, tin and other metallic additions havehad escalated significantly over the last several years.years due primarily to growth in worldwide steel production, especially in China. Historically, we have had adequate iron ore pellet production in the United States to meet our needs. With the acquisition of USSC and indirectly with the acquisition of Lone Star, at high levels of steelmaking

production we could be one to two million tons short in our iron ore pellet supply position in North America. Once our recently announcedAmerica, although we expect to be self-sufficient for 2009. If the proposed expansion at our iron ore pellet operations in Keewatin, Minnesota begins production, we will return to a position of being able to fully satisfy our North American pellet requirements.requirements at normal levels of capability utilization. The operations in Keewatin were temporarily idled in December 2008, and we expect the expansion project to be deferred beyond 2009. We are about 75 to 80 percent self sufficient for coke in North America.America at normal operating levels. Our relatively balanced raw materials position in North America and limited dependence on purchased steel scrap have helped mitigate the competitive positionvolatility of our North American operations.production costs.

Demand for flat-rolled products is influenced by a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to macro-economic drivers, the supply-demand balance, inventories, imports and exports, currency fluctuations, and the demand from flat-rolled consuming markets. The largest drivers of domestic consumption have historically been the automotive and construction markets which make up more than 50 percent of total sheet consumption. Other sheet consuming industries include appliance, converter, container, tin, energy, electrical equipment, agricultural, domestic and commercial equipment and industrial machinery.

Demand for oil country tubular goods depends on several factors, most notably the number of oil and natural gas wells being drilled, completed and re-worked, the depth and drilling conditions of these wells and the drilling techniques utilized. The level of these activities depends primarily on the demand for natural gas and oil and the

expectation of future prices of these commodities.

Demand for our flat-rolled and tubular products is also affected by the level of inventories maintained by manufacturers, distributors, and end users and by the level of imports in the markets we serve.

Steel imports to the United States which reached all-time highs in 2006, accounted for an estimated 2628 percent of the U.S. steel market in 2008, 26 percent in 2007 and 31 percent in 2006 and 25 percent in 2005.2006. Increases in future levels of imported steel could reduce future market prices and demand levels for steel produced in our North American facilities.

SteelImports of tubular products increased significantly in 2008. Oil country tubular goods (OCTG) accounted for a large share of the growth as they have more than doubled over 2007 levels. Imports of OCTG from China registered the most dramatic increase as they grew from 900,000 tons in 2007 to nearly 2.3 million tons in 2008. The U.S. market experienced a surge in tubular imports in the second half of 2008 that resulted in record OCTG inventories by the end of the year, which are expected to affect demand in 2009.

Imports of flat-rolled steel to Canada have accounted for over halfan estimated 25 percent of the Canadian market for flat-rolled steel products since 2005, representing 52 percent of the flat-rolled steel market in the first nine months of 2007, 532008, 27 percent in 20062007 and 5134 percent in 2005.2006.

Many of these imports have violated U.S. or Canadian trade laws. Under these laws, duties can be imposed against dumped products, which are products sold at a price that is below that producer’s sales price in its home market or at a price that is lower than its cost of production. Countervailing duties can be imposed against products that benefited from foreign government financial assistance for the benefit of the production, manufacture, or exportation of the product. For many years, U. S. Steel, other producers, customers and the United Steelworkers (USW) have sought the imposition of duties and in many cases have been successful. Such duties are generally subject to review every five years and we actively participate in such review proceedings.

The flat-rolled steel market in Europe has become extremely attractive for imports in the last two years. Total imports of flat-rolled carbon steel products (excluding quarto plates and wide flats) to the EU27 (the 27 countries currently comprising the European Union) rose by 72Union (EU)) were 15 percent of the EU market in 2006 compared to 2005, and by 212008, 17 percent in 2007 compared to 2006. Imports of galvanized sheets to the EU27 increased by 74and 14 percent in 2007 compared to 2006, while imports of galvanized sheets from China to the EU27 increased by 136 percent during the same period. The increases in imported2006. Imported steel to the EuropeanEU market have had a detrimental effect oncoupled with declining demand starting late in 2008 contributed to record levels of inventory, all of which resulted in weakening market prices in late 2008 and demand for steel made by European producers.early 2009.

On October 29, 2007, the European Confederation of Iron and Steel Industries (Eurofer), the European trade association of steel producers of which USSK is a member, filed an anti-dumping complaint against imports into the European UnionEU of hot-dipped metallic coated sheet and strip products originating in China. TheIn December 2008, Eurofer withdrew its complaint, saying that the case was based on historical data that no longer fully reflected turbulent current market conditions, and the European Commission has initiated anthereafter terminated its investigation.

We expect to continue to experience competition from imports and will continue to closely monitor imports of products in which we have an interest. Additional complaints may be filed if unfairly traded imports adversely impact, or threaten to adversely impact, financial results.

U. S. Steel’s businesses are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the storage, handling, emission and discharge of environmentally sensitive materials. U. S. Steel believes that our major North American and many European integrated steel competitors are confronted by substantially similar environmental conditions and thus does not believe that our relative position with regard to such competitors is materially affected by the impact of environmental laws and regulations. However, the costs and operating restrictions necessary for compliance with environmental laws and regulations may have an adverse effect on U. S. Steel’s competitive position with regard to domestic mini-mills, some foreign steel producers (particularly in developing economies such as China) and producers of materials which compete with steel, all of which may not

be required to undertake equivalent costs in their operations. In addition, the specific impact on each competitor may vary depending on a number of factors, including the age and location of its operating facilities and its production methods. U. S. Steel is also responsible for remediation costs related to our prior disposal of environmentally sensitive materials. MostMany of our competitors have fewer historichistorical liabilities. For further information, see “Item 3. Legal Proceedings – Environmental Proceedings” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Environmental Matters, Litigation and Contingencies.”

USSE conducts business primarily in central, western and southern Europe and USSC conducts business primarily in Canada. TheyWe are subject to market conditions in those areas which are influenced by many of the same factors that affect U.S. markets, as well as matters specific to international markets such as quotas and tariffs. TheyLike our domestic operations, USSE and USSC are affected by worldwide overcapacity in the steel industry, the cyclical nature of demand for steel products and the sensitivity of that demand to worldwide general economic conditions. In particular, USSE and USSC are subject to economic conditions,different environmental regulations and politicalother factors in Europe and Canada, respectively, which if changedthat could negatively affect results of operations and cash flow. These economic conditions, environmental regulations and politicalother factors include, but are not limited to, taxation, nationalization, inflation, currency fluctuations, increased regulation, limits on emissions (see “Environmental Matters” for discussions regarding carbon dioxide emissions limits which are applicable to European Union member countries, and carbon dioxide emissions limitations which are expected to come into effect in Canada), limits on production, and quotas, tariffs and other protectionist measures. USSE and USSC are affected by the volatility ofvolatile raw materials prices, and USSSUSSE has been affected by curtailments of natural gas available to Europe from the one pipeline that supplies Serbia.Russia through Ukraine. USSS experienced natural gas curtailments during periods of peak demand in Eastern Europe and Russia in 2006, and both USSK and USSS experienced a curtailment for more than ten days in January 2009 related to Russia’s suspension of gas shipments to Europe.

U. S. Steel is subject to foreign currency exchange risks as a result of its European and Canadian operations. USSE’s revenues are primarily in euros and its costs are primarily in U.S. dollars, Slovak koruna, Serbian dinars and euros. USSC’s revenues are primarilydenominated in Canadian dollars although the markets served are heavily influenced by the interaction between theboth Canadian and U.S. dollar.dollars. While the majoritymost of USSC’s costs are in Canadian dollars, there arewe make significant raw material purchases that are in U.S. dollars. In addition, the Stelco acquisition of USSC was funded from the United States and through the reinvestment of undistributed foreign earnings from USSE, creating intercompany monetary assets and liabilities in differentcurrencies other than the functional currencies of the entities involved, which can impact income when they are remeasured at the end of each quarter. A $1.2 billionAn $815 million U.S. dollar-denominated intercompany loan to a European affiliate was the primary exposure at December 31, 2007.2008.

Facilities and Locations

Flat-rolled

With the exception ofExcept for the Fairfield pipe mill, the operating results of all the facilities within U. S. Steel’s integrated steel mills in North America are included in Flat-rolled. These facilities include Gary Works, Great Lakes Works, Mon Valley Works, Granite City Works, Lake Erie Works, Fairfield Works and Hamilton Works. The operating results of U. S. Steel’s iron ore pellet operations and many equity investees in North America are also included in Flat-rolled.

Gary Works, located in Gary, Indiana, has annual raw steel production capability of 7.5 million tons. Gary Works has three coke batteries, four blast furnaces, six steelmaking vessels, a vacuum degassing unit and four continuous slab casters. In January 2006, we completed a major reconstruction of our largest blast furnace, which is located at Gary Works. Gary Works generally consumes all the coke it produces and sells several coke by-products. Finishing facilities include a hot strip mill, two pickling lines, two cold reduction mills, three temper mills, a double cold reduction line, two tin coating lines an electrolytic galvanizing line and a hot dip galvanizing line. Principal products include hot-rolled, cold-rolled and coated sheets and tin mill products. Gary Works also produces strip mill plate. The Midwest Plant and East Chicago Tin are operated as part of Gary Works.

The Midwest Plant, located in Portage, Indiana, finishes primarilyprocesses hot-rolled bands.bands and produces tin mill products and hot dip galvanized, cold-rolled and electrical lamination sheets. Midwest facilities include a pickling line, two cold reduction mills, two temper mills, a double cold reduction mill, two hot dip galvanizing lines, a tin coating line and a tin-free steel line. Principal products include tin mill products and hot dip galvanized, cold-rolled and electrical lamination sheets.

East Chicago Tin is located in East Chicago, Indiana.Indiana and produces tin mill products. Facilities include a pickling line, a cold reduction mill, a temper mill, a tin coating line and a tin-free steel line.

Great Lakes Works, located in Ecorse and River Rouge, Michigan, has annual raw steel production capability of 3.8 million tons. Great Lakes facilities include three blast furnaces, two steelmaking vessels, a vacuum degassing unit, two slab casters, a hot strip mill, a pickling line, a tandem cold reduction mill, a temper mill, an electrolytic galvanizing line and a hot dip galvanizing line. Principal products include hot-rolled, cold-rolled and coated sheets. Great Lake Works was temporarily idled in December 2008.

Mon Valley Works consists of the Edgar Thomson Plant, located in Braddock, Pennsylvania; the Irvin Plant, located in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania; the Fairless Plant, located in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania; and the Clairton Plant, located in Clairton, Pennsylvania. Mon Valley Works has annual raw steel production capability of 2.9 million tons. Facilities at the Edgar Thomson Plant include two blast furnaces, two steelmaking vessels, a vacuum degassing unit and a slab caster. Irvin Plant facilities include a hot strip mill, two pickling lines, a cold reduction mill, a temper mill, a hot dip galvanizing line and a hot dip galvanizing/Galvalume^® line. The Fairless Plant operates a hot dip galvanizing line. Principal products from Mon Valley Works include hot-rolled, cold-rolled and coated sheets, as well as coke and coke by-products produced at the Clairton Plant.

The Clairton Plant is comprised of twelve coke batteries, two of which arewere operated for the Clairton 1314B Partnership, L.P. (1314B Partnership), which is discussed below.(1314B). On October 31, 2008, U. S. Steel acquired the interests in 1314B held by unrelated parties, and 1314B was terminated. There was no change in the operations at the Clairton Plant as a result of the transaction. Approximately 7683 percent of 20072008 coke production (including the 1314B Partnership)1314B) was consumed by U. S. Steel facilities and the remainder was sold to or swapped with other domestic steel producers. Several coke by-products are sold to the chemicals and raw materials industries.

U. S. Steel is the sole general partner of and owns an equity interest in the 1314B Partnership. As general partner, U. S. Steel is responsible for operating and selling coke and coke by-products from the partnership’s two coke batteries. U. S. Steel’s share of profits during 2007 was 45.75 percent. The results of the 1314B Partnership are consolidated in our financial statements.

Granite City Works, located in Granite City, Illinois, has annual raw steel production capability of 2.8 million tons. Granite City’s facilities include two coke batteries, two blast furnaces, two steelmaking vessels, two slab casters, a hot strip mill, a pickling line, a tandem cold reduction mill, a hot dip galvanizing line and a hot dip galvanizing/Galvalume^® line. Granite City Works generally consumes all the coke it produces and sells several coke by-products. Principal products include hot-rolled and coated sheets. We are pursuing an opportunity with an affiliateGateway is in the process of SunCoke Energy, Inc. to constructconstructing a coke plant to supply Granite City Works and we are constructing a cogeneration facility that is contingent upon obtaining the necessary permits.will utilize by-products and that we will own and operate. Steel production and finishing at Granite City Works was temporarily idled in December 2008.

Lake Erie Works, located in Nanticoke, Ontario, has annual raw steel production capability of 2.6 million tons. Lake Erie Works facilities include a coke battery, a blast furnace, two steelmaking vessels, a slab caster, and a hot strip mill.mill and three pickling lines. The pickling lines were acquired on August 29, 2008 and are included in Flat-rolled results as of that date. Principal products include slabs and hot-rolled sheets.

Fairfield Works, located in Fairfield, Alabama, has annual raw steel production capability of 2.4 million tons. Fairfield Works facilities included in Flat-rolled are a blast furnace, three steelmaking vessels, a vacuum degassing unit, a slab caster, a rounds caster, a hot strip mill, a pickling line, a cold reduction mill, two temper/skin pass mills, a hot dip galvanizing line and a hot dip galvanizing/Galvalume^® line. Principal products include hot-rolled, cold-rolled and coated sheets, and steel rounds for Tubular.

Hamilton Works, located in Hamilton, Ontario, has annual raw steel production capability of 2.3 million tons. Hamilton Works facilities include a coke battery, a blast furnace, three steelmaking vessels, a slab caster, a combination slab/bloom caster, a bar mill, a pickling line, a cold reduction mill and two hot dip galvanizing lines. Principal products include slabs and cold-rolled and coated sheets, and bars.sheets. Steel production at Hamilton Works was temporarily idled in November 2008.

ProCoil Company LLC (Procoil)We have iron ore pellet operations located at Mt. Iron (Minntac) and Keewatin (Keetac), a wholly owned subsidiary located in Canton, Michigan, slits, cuts to length and presses blanks from steel coils to desired specifications, provides laser welding services and warehouses material to service automotive customers. Procoil’sMinnesota with annual iron ore pellet production capability is approximately 300,000of 22.4 million tons. During 2008, 2007 and 2006, these operations produced 21.3 million, 20.8 million and 22.1 million net tons of iron ore pellets, respectively. We previously announced a capital investment program at Keetac to increase production by modernizing and improving a pellet indurating line that has been idle since 1980. This expansion would increase Keetac’s iron pellet production capability by 3.6 million tons to a total annual capability of 9.6 million tons. We are currently involved in the permitting process, but Keetac was temporarily idled in December 2008 and we expect the expansion project to be deferred beyond 2009.

USSC owns 60 percent of the Z-Line Company (Z-Line), a partnership with Metal One Canada Corporation, which is consolidated in our financial results. Z-Line owns and operates a galvanizing/galvannealing line located within Hamilton Works with annual production capability of approximately 430,000 tons.

Lake Erie Works, Hamilton Works, Z-Line, Baycoat Limited Partnership (discussed below) and DC Chrome Limited (discussed below) were acquired in the Stelco acquisition and are included in Flat-rolled’s results effective October 31, 2007.

U. S. Steel participates in a number of additional joint ventures that are included in Flat-rolled, most of which are conducted through subsidiaries or other separate legal entities. All of these joint ventures are accounted for under the equity method. The significant joint ventures and other investments are described below. For information regarding joint ventures and other investments, see Note 10 to the Financial Statements.

U. S. Steel and Pohang Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. (POSCO)POSCO of South Korea participate in a 50-50 joint venture, USS-POSCO Industries (USS-POSCO), located in Pittsburg, California. The joint venture markets high quality sheet and tin mill products, principally in the western United States. USS-POSCO produces cold-rolled sheets, galvanized sheets, tin plate and tin-free steel from hot bands principally provided by U. S. Steel and POSCO, which each provide about 50 percent of its requirements. USS-POSCO’s annual production capability is approximately 1.5 million tons.

U. S. Steel and Kobe Steel, Ltd. of Japan participate in a 50-50 joint venture, PRO-TEC Coating Company (PRO-TEC). PRO-TEC owns and operates two hot dip galvanizing lines in Leipsic, Ohio, which primarily serve the automotive industry. PRO-TEC’s annual production capability is approximately 1.2 million tons. U. S. Steel supplies PRO-TEC with all of its requirements of cold-rolled sheets and markets all of its products.

U. S. Steel and Severstal North America, Inc. participate in Double Eagle Steel Coating Company (DESCO), a 50-50 joint venture which operates an electrogalvanizing facility located in Dearborn, Michigan. The facility coats sheet steel with free zinc or zinc alloy coatings, primarily for use in the automotive industry. DESCO processes steel supplied by each partner and each partner markets the steel it has processed by DESCO. DESCO’s annual production capability is approximately 870,000 tons.

U. S. Steel and ArcelorMittal participate in the Double G Coatings Company, L.P. 50-50 joint venture (Double G), a hot dip galvanizing and Galvalume^® facility located near Jackson, Mississippi, which primarily serves the construction industry. Double G processes steel supplied by each partner and each partner markets the steel it has processed by Double G. Double G’s annual production capability is approximately 315,000 tons.

U. S. Steel and Worthington Industries, Inc. (Worthington Industries) participate in Worthington Specialty Processing (Worthington), which consisted of a 50-50 joint venture steel processing facility located in Jackson, Michigan. The plant is operatedMichigan until October 1, 2008, when the joint venture was expanded by the partners. U. S. Steel contributed ProCoil Company LLC, its steel processing subsidiary in Canton, Michigan, and Worthington Industries Inc.contributed Worthington Steel Taylor, its steel processing subsidiary in Taylor, Michigan, to the joint venture. As part of this transaction, U. S. Steel received a cash payout of $2.5 million and our ownership interest decreased from 50 percent to 49 percent. The facility is capable of processing masterfacilities slit, cut to length and press blanks from steel coils into both slit coils and sheared first operation blanks including rectangles, trapezoids, parallelograms and chevrons. It is designed to meet specifications for the automotive, appliance, furniture and metal door industries.desired specifications. Worthington’s annual production capability is approximately 510,000890,000 tons.

USSC and ArcelorMittal Dofasco, Inc. participate in Baycoat Limited Partnership (Baycoat), a 50-50 joint venture located in Hamilton, Ontario. Baycoat applies a variety of paint finishes to flat-rolled steel coils. Baycoat’s annual production capability is approximately 280,000 tons.

D.C. Chrome Limited, a 50-50 joint venture between USSC and The Court Group of Companies Limited, operates a plant in Stony Creek, Ontario which textures and chromium plates work rolls for Hamilton Works and for other customers, and grinds and chromes steel shafts used in manlifts.

Chrome Deposit Corporation (CDC), a 50-50 joint venture between U. S. Steel and Court Holdings, reconditions finishing work rolls, which require grinding, chrome plating, and/or texturing. The rolls are used on rolling mills to provide superior finishes on steel sheets. CDC has seven locations across the United States, with all locations near major steel mills.

Feralloy Processing Company (FPC), a joint venture between U. S. Steel and Feralloy Corporation, converts coiled hot strip mill plate into sheared and flattened plates for shipment to customers. U. S. Steel has a 49 percent interest. The plant, located in Portage, Indiana, has a temper mill linked to a cut-to-length leveling line. The line provides stress-free, leveled product with a superior surface finish. FPC provides processing services to the joint venture partners and other steel consumers and service centers. FPC’s annual production capability is approximately 275,000 tons.

U. S. Steel, along with Feralloy Mexico, S.R.L. de C.V. and Mitsui & Co. (USA), Inc., participates in a joint venture, Acero Prime.Prime, S.R.L. de CV (Acero Prime). U. S. Steel has a 40 percent interest. Acero Prime operates in Mexico with facilities in San Luis Potosi and Ramos Arizpe, and a leased warehouse in Toluca. Acero Prime provides slitting, warehousing and logistical services. Acero Prime’s annual slitting capability is approximately 385,000 tons.

We have a 44.6 percent ownership interest in Wabush Mines (Wabush), which has a mine and concentrator in Wabush, Labrador and a pellet plant in Pointe Noire, Quebec. Wabush’s rated annual production capability is 6.4 million tons of iron ore pellets, of which our share is about 2.8 million tons, reflecting our ownership interest. Our share of 2008 production was 2.0 million tons.

U. S. Steel has a 14.7 percent ownership interest in Hibbing Taconite Company (Hibbing), which is based in Hibbing, Minnesota. Hibbing’s rated annual production capability is 9.1 million tons of iron ore pellets, of which our share is about 1.3 million tons, reflecting our ownership interest. Our share of 2008 production was 1.4 million tons.

We have a 15 percent ownership interest in Tilden Mining Company (Tilden), which is based in Ishpeming, Michigan. Tilden’s rated annual production capability is 8.7 million tons of iron ore pellets, of which our share is about 1.3 million tons, reflecting our ownership interest. Our share of 2008 production was 1.2 million tons.

U. S. Steel owns a Research and Technology Center located in Munhall, Pennsylvania where we carry out a wide range of applied research, development and technical support functions.

U. S. Steel also owns an automotive technical center in Troy, Michigan. This facility brings automotive sales, service, distribution and logistics services, product technology and applications research into one location. Much of U. S. Steel’s work in developing new grades of steel to meet the demands of automakers for high-strength, light-weight and formable materials is carried out at this location.

USSE

USSE consists of USSK and its subsidiaries and USSS.

USSK is headquartered at its integrated facility in Kosice,Košice, Slovakia, which has annual raw steel production capability of 5.0 million tons. This facility has two coke batteries, three blast furnaces, four steelmaking vessels, a vacuum degassing unit, two dual strand casters, a hot strip mill, two pickling lines, two cold reduction mills, a temper mill, a temper/double cold reduction mill, three hot dip galvanizing lines, two tin coating lines, three dynamo lines and a color coating line. Construction of anThe final acceptance test for the new automotive-quality hot dip galvanizing line was completed in February 2007August 2008. Principal products include hot-rolled, cold-rolled and commissioning progressed throughout the year. We expect the final acceptance test to be completed by the end of the first quarter.coated sheets and tin mill products. USSK also has facilities for manufacturing heating radiators, spiral welded pipe and refractories.

In addition, USSK has a full service research laboratory. In conjunction with our research facility in Munhall, Pennsylvania, the USSK lab supports efforts in cokemaking, electrical steels, design and instrumentation, and ecology.

USSS has an integrated plant in Smederevo, Serbia which has annual raw steel production capability of 2.4 million tons. Facilities at this plant include two blast furnaces, three steelmaking vessels, two slab casters, a hot strip mill, a pickling line, a cold reduction mill, a temper mill and a temper/double cold reduction mill. Other facilities include a tin mill in Sabac with one tin coating line, a limestone mine in Kucevo and a river port in Smederevo, all located in Serbia. Principal products include hot-rolled and cold-rolled sheets and tin mill products.

Serbian Roll Service Company, d.o.o. is a 50-50 joint venture between USSS and Court Holdings (Europe) Ltd. Currently under construction, the operation will recondition finishing work rolls which require grinding and chrome plating. Anticipated start-up is late 2009.

Tubular

Tubular manufactures seamless and welded oil country tubular goods (OCTG) and other tubular products.

Seamless products are produced on a mill located at Fairfield Works in Fairfield, Alabama, and on two mills located in Lorain, Ohio. The Fairfield mill has annual production capability of 750,000 tons and is supplied with steel rounds exclusively from Fairfield Works. The Fairfield mill has the capability to produce outer diameter (O.D.)

sizes from 4.5 to 9.625 inches and has quench and temper, hydrotester, threading and coupling, and inspection capabilities. The Lorain mills have combined annual production capability of 780,000 tons and use steel rounds primarily from external sources, supplementedsupplied by Fairfield Works. Works and external sources. Lorain #3 Mill has the capability to produce O.D. sizes from 10.125 to 26 inches and has quench and temper, hydrotester, cutoff, and inspection capabilities. Lorain #4 Mill has the capability to produce O.D. sizes from 1.9 to 4.5 inches and has cut to length capabilities and uses Tubular Services in Houston for finishing.

Texas Operations manufactures welded OCTG, standard and line pipe and specialtymechanical tubing products. Texas Operations #1 Mill has the capability to produce O.D. sizes from 7 to 16 inches. Texas Operations #2 Mill has the capability to produce O.D. sizes from 1.088 to 7.15 inches. Both mills have quench and temper, hydrotester, threading and coupling, and inspection capabilities. Bellville Operations manufactures welded tubular products primarily for OCTG. Bellville Operations has the capability to produce O.D. sizes from 2.375 to 4.5 inches and has limited hydrotester and cutoff capabilities. Texas Operations and Bellville Operations have combined annual production capability of 1.0 million tons and use hot-rolled products from Flat-rolled’s facilities. Wheeling Machine Products supplies couplings usedBellville Operations was temporarily idled in January 2009 and we intend to connect individual sectionstemporarily idle Texas Operations at the end of oilfield casing and tubing. Tubular Processing Services provides thermal treating and end-finishing services for oilfield production tubing. Tubular Threading and Inspection Services provides threading, inspection and storage services to the OCTG market. Fintube Technologies (Fintube) manufactures specialty tubular products used in heat recovery technology applications. February.

Welded products are also produced on a mill located in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, which is operated by Camp-Hill Corporation. The McKeesport mill has annual production capability of 315,000 tons and purchases flat-rolled productsprocesses hot-rolled bands from Mon Valley Works and other U. S. Steel locations. This mill has the capability to produce, hydrotest, cut to length, and inspect O.D. sizes from 8.625 to 20 inches.

Wheeling Machine Products supplies couplings used to connect individual sections of oilfield casing and tubing. It produces sizes ranging from 2.375 to 20 inches at three locations: Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Hughes Springs, Texas and Houston, Texas.

Tubular Processing Services, located in Houston, Texas, provides thermal treating and end-finishing services for oilfield production tubing. Tubular Threading and Inspection Services, also located in Houston, Texas, provides threading, inspection and storage services to the OCTG market.

Fintube Technologies (Fintube), located in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Monterey, Mexico, manufactures specialty tubular products used in heat recovery technology applications. Fintube has a welded tube production mill, finning operations and an engineered products division.

U. S. Steel also has a 50 percent ownership interest in Apolo Tubulars S.A. (Apolo), a Brazilian supplier of welded casing, tubing, line pipe and other tubular products.

Effective June 14, 2007, Tubular’s results include Texas Operations, Bellville Operations, Wheeling Machine Products, Tubular Processing Services, Tubular Threading and Inspection Services, Fintube and Apolo, which were acquired in the Lone Star acquisition. Apolo’s annual production capability is approximately 150,000 tons.

In April 2007, U. S. Steel, POSCO and SeAH Steel Corporation, a Korean manufacturer of tubular products, formed United Spiral Pipe LLC to design, engineer and construct a manufacturing facility with annual production capability of 300,000 tons of spiral welded tubular products. EngineeringU. S. Steel and permitting work is ongoing,POSCO each hold a 35-percent ownership interest in the joint venture, with construction commencingthe remaining 30-percent ownership interest being held by SeAH. Construction commenced in February 2008.2008 and we expect start-up to occur in 2009.

Other Businesses

U. S. Steel’s Other Businesses are involved in the production and sale of iron-bearing taconite pellets,include transportation services, the management and development of real estate and engineering and consulting services.

On January 31, 2009, we completed the sale of a majority of the operating assets of EJ&E to a subsidiary of Canadian National Railway Company. After-tax proceeds from the sale were approximately $210 million and U. S. Steel has iron ore pellet operations located at Mt. Iron (Minntac) and Keewatin (Keetac), Minnesota. During 2007, 2006 and 2005, these operations produced 20.8will record a net gain of approximately $60 million 22.1 million and 22.3 million net tons of iron ore pellets, respectively. U. S. Steel has a 14.7 percent ownership interest in Hibbing Taconite Company (Hibbing), which is based in Hibbing, Minnesota. Hibbing’s rated annual production capacity is 9.1 million tons of iron ore pellets, of which our share is about 1.3 million tons, reflecting our ownership interest. We also have a 15 percent ownership interest in Tilden Mining Company (Tilden), which is based in Ishpeming, Michigan. Tilden’s rated annual production capacity is 8.7 million tons of iron ore pellets, of which our share is about 1.3 million tons reflecting our ownership interest. In February 2008, we announced a capital investment program in excess of $300 million at Keetac to increase production by modernizing and improving a pellet indurating line that has been idle since 1980. The expansion, if implemented, would increase Keetac’s iron pellet production capability by 3.6 million tons to a total annual capability of 9.6 million tons. The program is expected to take approximately 36 months after the permitting process to complete.

Through USSC, we also have a 44.6 percent ownership interest in Wabush Mines (Wabush), which has a mine and concentrator in Wabush, Labrador and a pellet plant in Pointe Noire, Quebec. ArcelorMittal Dofasco, Inc. is in the process of purchasing our interest in Wabush. The transaction is subject to various regulatory approvals and is currently expected to close in the first halfquarter of 2008. We expect2009. The retained portion of EJ&E has been renamed Gary Railway Company. See Note 5 to enter into a pellet supply arrangement in conjunction with the sale.Financial Statements.

In addition to Gary Railway Company in Indiana, U. S. Steel owns the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company in Illinois and Indiana; the Lake Terminal Railroad Company in Ohio; Union Railroad Company and McKeesport Connecting Railroad Company in Pennsylvania; the Birmingham Southern

Railroad Company, Fairfield Southern Company, Inc., Mobile River Terminal Company, and Warrior and Gulf Navigation Company, all located in Alabama; Delray Connecting Railroad Company in Michigan and the Texas & Northern Railroad Company in Texas,Texas; all of which comprise U. S. Steel’s transportation business.

On September 26, 2007, U. S. Steel and Canadian National Railway Company (CN) announced that they had entered into an agreement under which CN will acquire the majority of the operating assets of Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company for $300 million. Under the agreement, U. S. Steel will retain railroad assets, equipment, and employees that support Gary Works in northwest Indiana. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board and closing is anticipated in the second half of 2008.

U. S. Steel owns, develops and manages various real estate assets, which include approximately 200,000 acres of surface rights primarily in Alabama, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota and Pennsylvania. In addition, U. S. Steel participates in joint ventures that are developing real estate projects in Alabama Illinois and Maryland. U. S. Steel also owns approximately 4,000 acres of land in Ontario, Canada, which could potentially be sold or developed.

Met-Chem Canada Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of U. S. Steel, is a consulting engineering company providing engineering services in the mining and mineral processing sectors. Technical services provided include the preparation of studies (conceptual, feasibility, bankable feasibility and detailed reports), mine and process audits, basic and detailed engineering, project and construction management, procurement, start-up and commissioning, training and operations assistance.

Raw Materials and Energy

Historically, supplies of raw materials and energy used to produce steel have been more than sufficient and costs were relatively stable. In the past several years, there has been a tightening of raw material availability and a substantial increase in costs.purchase prices. The recent significant reduction in global steel production has resulted in decreases in many of these purchase prices. We expect that such prices will increase when global steel production returns to more customary levels. As an integrated producer, U. S. Steel’s primary raw materials are iron units in the form of iron ore or taconite, carbon units in the form of coal and coke (which is produced from coal) and steel scrap. The amounts of such raw materials needed to produce a ton of steel will fluctuate based upon the specifications of the final steel products, the quality of raw materials and, to a lesser extent, differences among steel producing equipment. In broad terms, U. S. Steel estimates that it consumes about 1.4 tons of coal to produce one ton of coke and that it consumes over 1.2 tons of iron ore pellets and a little less than 0.4 tons of coke for eachand over 1.2 tons of iron ore pellets to produce one ton of raw steel produced.steel. We also consume approximately 4,500 MMBTU’s of natural gas per ton shipped. While we believe that these estimates are useful for planning purposes, substantial variations occur. They are presented in order to give a general sense of raw material and energy consumption related to steel production.

Iron Ore

The iron ore facilities at Minntac and Keetac contain an estimated 764761 million short tons of recoverable reserves. Our proportionate share of recoverable reserves at the Wabush, Hibbing and Tilden joint ventures is 103 million short tons. Recoverable tons means the tons of product that can be used internally or delivered to a customer after considering mining and beneficiation or preparation losses. U. S. Steel also receives iron ore pellets from the Hibbing, Tilden and Wabush joint ventures. At high levels of steelmaking production, we could be one to two million tons short of our North AmericanFlat-rolled segment’s annual requirements. The anticipated shortfall, plus any additional shortfall upon the completion of the sale of our equity interestAny shortfalls would be purchased from outside sources, although we expect to be self sufficient in Wabush, will be purchased.2009. We previously announced a capital investment program in excess of $300 million at Keetac to increase production by modernizing and improving a pellet indurating lineinduratingline that has been idle since 1980. Once thisThis expansion begins production, we willwould return us to a position of being able to fully satisfy our North American pellet requirements.requirements at all operating levels. We are currently involved in the permitting process, but Keetac was temporarily idled in December 2008 and we expect the expansion project to be deferred beyond 2009.

USSE purchases most of its iron ore requirements from third parties,outside sources, but has also received iron ore from U. S. Steel’s iron ore facilities in the United States. We believe that supplies of iron ore adequate to meet USSE’s needs are available at competitive market prices. The main sources of iron ore for USSE are Russia and Ukraine, with supplemental supplies coming from Slovakia Venezuela and Brazil.

Coal

All of U. S. Steel’s coal requirements for our cokemaking facilities are purchased from third parties.outside sources. We believe that supplies of coal adequate to meet our needs are available from third partiesoutside sources at competitive market prices. Coal supplies in the United States were disrupted in early 2005 due to river lock closures resulting from flooding. U. S. Steel has entered into contracts at what we believe are competitive market prices for our coal requirements in 20082009 and for a portion of our 20092010 requirements. The main sources of coal for North AmericaFlat-rolled are the United States and Canada; and for USSKUSSE include Poland, the Czech Republic, the United States, Canada, Russia and Ukraine. USSS does not currently require coal to support its operations because it purchases all of its coke requirements.

In North America, we haveCoke

Our Flat-rolled segment has the capability to supply 75 to 80 percent of ourits metallurgical coke requirements for hot metal production in blast furnaces.furnaces at normal operating levels. Blast furnace coal injection is used at certain Flat-rolled facilities to reduce coke usage. In the United States, U. S. Steel operates cokemaking facilities at ourthe Clairton Plant of Mon Valley Works, at Gary Works and at Granite City Works. We routinely sell or swap a portion of the coke production from our Clairton facility. To the extent that it is necessary or appropriate considering existing needs and/or applicable transportation costs, coke is purchased from or swapped with North American and international suppliers or other end-users. Production has been decreasing over the last several years due largely to the declining condition of the coke batteries at

Coke

our Clairton Plant and the idling of one of the coke batteries at Gary Works in October 2005. In November 2007, we announced that we are considering investing $1 billion over a period of years for new coke oven batteries at our Clairton Plant, in part replacing existing batteries that are nearing the end of their useful lives and rehabilitating several other existing batteries. We are also pursuing an opportunity with an affiliate of SunCoke Energy, Inc. to construct a coke plant to supply Granite City Works that is contingent upon obtaining the necessary permits.

In Canada, we operate cokemaking facilities at Hamilton Works and Lake Erie Works, which serve the steelmaking operations at USSC. Depending on production levels, we may purchase additional coke on the open market. To the extent that it isnecessary or appropriate considering existing needs and/or applicable transportation costs, coke is purchased from or swapped with North American and international suppliers or other end-users.

USSK operatesThe increase in coke production in 2008 was mainly due to the inclusion of production at Lake Erie Works and Hamilton Works for the entire year. Production had been decreasing over the last several years due mainly to the declining condition of the coke batteries at our Clairton Plant and the idling of one of the coke batteries at Gary Works in October 2005. We are planning a cokemakingsignificant capital investment over a period of years for new coke oven batteries at our Clairton Plant, replacing existing batteries that are nearing the end of their useful lives and rehabilitating several other existing batteries. We are currently in the first phase of this investment, which includes construction of a technologically and environmentally advanced coke battery that will replace the current capacity of three older units, and rehabilitation of several existing coke batteries. Also, Gateway is in the process of constructing a coke plant to supply Granite City Works, while we are constructing a cogeneration facility that will utilize by-products and that we will own and operate.

USSE operates cokemaking facilities that primarily servesserve the steelmaking operations at USSK.USSK and may occasionally supply a portion of USSS’s needs. Depending on market conditions and operational schedules, USSK may purchase coke on the open market and may occasionally supply a portion of USSS’s needs.market. Blast furnace coal injection at USSK reduces its coke requirements. USSS sources substantially all of its coke requirements from third party suppliers.outside sources. We believe that supplies of coke adequate to meet USSK’s and USSS’sUSSE’s needs are available at competitive market prices. The main sources of coke for USSK and USSSUSSE in 20082009 are expected to be Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Bosnia, Hungary China and the Czech Republic.

Limestone

All of Flat-rolled’s limestone requirements in North America are purchased from third parties.outside sources. We believe that supplies of limestone adequate to meet our North AmericanFlat-rolled’s needs are readily available from third partiesoutside sources at competitive market prices.

The majority of USSE’s limestone requirements are purchased from outside sources. All limestone requirements for USSK are purchased from a third partyan outside source under a long-term contract. We source approximately 50 percent of USSS’s limestone requirements from third party suppliersoutside sources with the balance coming from a limestone mine under our direct control. We believe that supplies of limestone adequate to meet USSS’sUSSE’s needs are available from third partiesoutside sources at competitive market prices.

Zinc and Tin

We believe that supplies of zinc and tin required to fulfill the requirements for our North AmericanFlat-rolled and European operationsUSSE are available from third partiesoutside sources at competitive market prices.

Steel Scrap and Other Materials

We believe that supplies of steel scrap and other alloying and coating materials required to fulfill our requirements for North AmericanFlat-rolled and European operationsUSSE are available from third partiesoutside sources at competitive market prices. Generally, approximately 40 percent of our steel scrap requirements is internally generated through normal operations.

Natural Gas

In North America, we expect to utilizeWe utilized approximately 100,000110,000,000 mmbtu’s of natural gas in 2008, all of which iswas purchased from third parties. outside sources.

We believe that supplies adequate to meet our North American needs are available at competitive market prices. About 4060 percent of our natural gas purchases in the United States are based on bids solicited bids, on a monthly basis from various vendors; approximately 10 percent are made through long-term contracts; and the remainder are made daily or with physical forward positions. About 75 percent of our Canadian gas purchases are based on solicited bids, on a monthly basis, from variousvendors;various vendors; and the remainder are made daily or with physical forward positions. We have executed physical forward positions consistent with anticipated business needs for natural gas because of the volatility of natural gas markets.

At USSE, we expect to utilize approximately 12,000 mmbtu’s of natural gas in 2008, all of which is purchased from third parties. We believe that supplies adequate to meet USSE’s needs are normally available at competitive market prices. Natural gas prices in Slovakia and Serbia have been less volatile than in the United States; however, prices have increased over the last several years. We experienced curtailmentsUSSE is dependent upon availability of natural gas supplies atfrom Russia through Ukraine. USSS in early 2006. Serbia relies upon a single pipeline system for itsexperienced natural gas makingcurtailments during periods of peak demand in Eastern Europe and Russia in 2006, and both USSK and USSS and other industrial customersexperienced a curtailment of more than ten days in Serbia exposedJanuary 2009 related to disruptions in this system.Russia’s suspension of gas shipments to Europe.

In both North AmericaBoth Flat-rolled and Europe, weUSSE use self-generated coke oven and blast furnace gas to mitigate ourreduce consumption of natural gas usage.gas.

Commercial Sales of Product

U. S. Steel characterizes our sales as contract if sold pursuant to an agreement with defined pricing and a one year or longer duration, and as spot if sold pursuant to a shorter term contract. In 20072008 approximately 5455 percent, 2930 percent and two3 percent of sales by Flat-rolled, USSE and Tubular, respectively, were contract sales. U. S. Steel does not consider sales backlog to be a meaningful measure since volume commitments in most contracts are based on each customer’s specific periodic requirements.

Environmental Matters

U. S. Steel maintains a comprehensive environmental policy overseen by the Corporate Governance and Public Policy Committee of the U. S. Steel Board of Directors. The Environmental Affairs organization has the responsibility to ensure that U. S. Steel’s operating organizations maintain environmental compliance systems that are in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The Executive Environmental Committee, which is

comprised of officers of U. S. Steel, is charged with reviewing our overall performance with various environmental compliance programs. Also, U. S. Steel, largely through the American Iron and Steel Institute, the Canadian Steel Producers Association, the International Iron andWorld Steel InstituteAssociation and Eurofer, is involved in the promotion of cost effective environmental strategies through the development of appropriate air, water, waste and climate change laws and regulations at the local, state, national and international levels.

U. S. Steel’s businesses in the United States are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. These environmental laws and regulations include the Clean Air Act (CAA) with respect to air emissions; the Clean Water Act (CWA) with respect to water discharges; the Resource

Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) with respect to solid and hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal; and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) with respect to releases and remediation of hazardous substances. In addition, all states where U. S. Steel operates have similar laws dealing with the same matters. These laws are constantly evolving and becoming increasingly stringent. The ultimate impact of complying with existing laws and regulations is not always clearly known or determinable due in part to the fact that certain implementing regulations for these environmental laws have not yet been promulgated and in certain instances are undergoing revision. These environmental laws and regulations, particularly the CAA, could result in substantially increased capital, operating and compliance costs.

USSC is subject to the environmental laws of Canada, which are comparable to environmental standards in the United States. Environmental regulation in Canada is an area of shared responsibility between the federal government and the provincial governments, which in turn delegate certain matters to municipal governments. Federal environmental statutes include the federal Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and the Fisheries Act. Various provincial statutes regulate environmental matters such as the release and remediation of hazardous substances; waste storage, treatment and disposal; and air emissions. As in the United States, Canadian environmental laws (federal, provincial and local) are undergoing revisions and becoming more stringent.

USSK is subject to the environmental laws of Slovakia and the European Union (EU). ThereEU. A related law of the EU commonly known as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, Regulation 1907/2006) requires the registration of certain substances that are no legal proceedings pending againstproduced in the EU or imported into the EU. USSK involving environmental matters.pre-registered various substances during the six-month pre-registration period that ended November 30, 2008, both on its own behalf and on behalf of U. S. Steel and certain of its subsidiaries that may be shipping products into the EU. USSK had a compliance project for a primary dedusting system at Steel Shop No. 2is compliant with REACH and intends to meet air emission standards for particulates, and met the compliance standards prior to the deadline establishedregister its substances by the Slovak government.applicable deadlines to remain in compliance and be able to continue its businesses without material change.

USSS is subject to the environmental laws of Serbia. Under the terms of the acquisition in 2003, USSS will beis responsible for only those costs and liabilities associated with environmental events occurring subsequent to the completion of an environmental baseline study. The study was completed in June 2004, andwhich was submitted to the Government of Serbia. ThereIn January 2008, USSS entered into an agreement with the Serbian government that commits us to spend approximately $50 million before the end of 2009 to improve the environmental performance of our facilities. Spending for this commitment in 2008 was $35 million. The spending is focused on projects aimed at reducing air particulate emissions.

Many nations, including the United States, are no legal proceedings pending against USSSconsidering regulation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. International negotiations to supplement or replace the 1997 Kyoto Protocol are ongoing. The integrated steel process involves a series of chemical reactions involving environmental matters.carbon that create CO₂ emissions. This distinguishes integrated steel producers from mini-mills and many other industries where CO₂ generation is generally linked to energy usage. The EU has established greenhouse gas regulations; Canada has published details of a regulatory framework for greenhouse gas emissions as discussed below; and the United States may establish regulations in the future. Such regulations may entail substantial capital expenditures, restrict production, and raise the price of coal and other carbon-based energy sources.

To comply with the 1997 Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the European Commission (EC) created an Emissions Trading System (ETS). Under the ETS, the EC establishes its own CO₂ emissions limits for every EU member state. In 2004, the EC approved a national allocation plan (NAP I) for Slovakia that reduced Slovakia’s originally proposed CO₂ allocation by approximately 14 percent,state and following that decision the Slovak Ministry of the Environment (Ministry) imposed an 8 percent reduction to the amountapproves grants of CO₂ emission allowances originally requestedto individual emitting facilities pursuant to national allocation plans that are proposed by USSK. Subsequently, USSK filed legal actions againsteach of the ECmember states. Emission allowances can be bought and sold by emitting facilities to cover the Ministry challenging these reductions. The challenge against the EC has been dismissed on groundsquantities of inadmissibility. On November 29, 2006, the EC issued a decision that Slovakia would be granted 25 percent fewer CO₂ they emit in their

operations. In 2004, the EC approved Slovakia’s national allocation plan for the period 2005 through 2007 (NAP I), which granted USSK fewer emissions allowances than were requested in Slovakia’s NAP II,ultimately required. USSK purchased allowances to cover its shortfall for the NAP l allocation periodperiod. Based on the actual value of allowances purchased, a short-term other liability of $2 million was recognized on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2007. This amount was settled in 2008.

In July 2008, through 2012. The Ministry has not yet made an allocationfollowing approval by the EC of Slovakia’s national allocation plan for the 2008 to 2012 trading period (NAP II), Slovakia granted USSK more CO₂allowances to companies within Slovakiaper year than USSK received for NAP I. Based on actual carbon emissions in 2008, we believe that USSK will have sufficient emissions allowances for the NAP II period but has submitted to the EC a revised allocation plan that would award USSK more annual allowances than were awarded to USSK under the Slovak NAP I plan. Slovakia has withdrawn its legal challenge against the EC regarding NAP II, and the challenge by USSK is on appeal, after having been dismissed at the lower court on grounds of inadmissibility. The potential financial and/or operational impacts of NAP II are not currently determinable.without purchasing additional allowances.

Although ratification of the Kyoto Protocol in the United States has not occurred, there remains the possibility that limitations on greenhouse gases may be imposed. Since the United States Supreme Court ruled that carbon dioxide is a “pollutant” under the Clean Air Act inMassachusetts v. EPA,there is a growing consensus that some form of federal regulation regarding carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases is forthcoming in the United States. However, the timing and specific requirements regarding greenhouse gases are not currently known; therefore, the impact on our domestic operations cannot be estimated at this time.

On April 26, 2007, Canada’s federal government announced an Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gases and Air Pollution.Pollution (the Plan). The federal government plans to set mandatory reduction targets on all major greenhouse gas producing industries to achieve an absolute reduction of 150 megatonnes in greenhouse gas emissions from 2006 levels by 2020. FacilitiesOn March 10, 2008, Canada’s federal government published details of its Regulatory Framework for Industrial Greenhouse Gas Emissions (the Framework). The Plan and the Framework provide that facilities existing in 2006 will be required to cut their greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 18 percent by 2010, with a further 2two percent reduction in each following year. Implementing regulations are expected to be issued for public comment in the spring of 2008. Companies will be able to choose the most cost-effective way to meet their targets from a range of options. Environment Canada has indicated that the proposed rules will contain

exemptions forThe Framework effectively exempts fixed process gas emissions industries, includingof CO₂, which could exclude certain iron and steel for which an exemption of 62 percent of greenhouse gasproducing CO₂ emissions is contemplated.from mandatory reductions. Certain provinces have enacted climate change rules and Ontario may also do so. The impact on USSC cannot be estimated at this time.

In the United States, the new Administration has announced its commitment to implement a national cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. The parameters and timetable of this proposed program have not been announced so it is impossible to estimate its impact on U. S. Steel, although it could be significant.

U. S. Steel has incurred and will continue to incur substantial capital, operating and maintenance, and remediation expenditures as a result of environmental laws and regulations. In recent years, these expenditures have been mainly for process changes in order to meet CAA obligations and similar obligations in Europe and Canada, although ongoing compliance costs have also been significant. To the extent these expenditures, as with all costs, are not ultimately reflected in the prices of U. S. Steel’s products and services, operating results will be reduced. U. S. Steel believes that our major North American and many European integrated steel competitors are confronted by substantially similar conditions and thus does not believe that its relative position with regard to such competitors is materially affected by the impact of environmental laws and regulations. However, the costs and operating restrictions necessary for compliance with environmental laws and regulations may have an adverse effect on our competitive position with regard to domestic mini-mills, some foreign steel producers (particularly in developing economies such as China) and producers of materials which compete with steel, all of which may not be required to undertake equivalent costs in their operations. In addition, the specific impact on each competitor may vary depending on a number of factors, including the age and location of its operating facilities and its production methods. U. S. Steel is also responsible for remediation costs related to our prior disposal of environmentally sensitive materials. MostMany of our competitors have fewer historichistorical liabilities.

For further information, see “Item 3. Legal Proceedings – Environmental Proceedings” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Environmental Matters, Litigation and Contingencies.”

Air

The CAA imposes stringent limits on air emissions with a federally mandated operating permit program and civil and criminal enforcement sanctions. The principal impact of the CAA on U. S. Steel is on the cokemaking and primary steelmaking operations, as described in this section.

The CAA requires, among other things, the regulation of hazardous air pollutants andthrough the development and promulgation of Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) Standards. As a result, theThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed various industry-specific MACT standards. Those affectingstandards pursuant to this requirement. The CAA requires EPA to promulgate regulations establishing emission standards for each category of Hazardous Air Pollutants. EPA must also conduct risk assessments on each source category that is already subject to MACT standards and determine if additional standards are needed to reduce residual risks.

The principal impact of the MACT standards on U. S. Steel operations in the greatest magnitude include the MACT standardsincludes those that are specific to cokemaking, ironmaking, steelmaking and iron ore processing.

The applicable MACT standardsemission limitations for someironmaking and steelmaking sources could become more stringent if EPA’s residual risk analysis indicates that additional controls are necessary. EPA is required to complete this residual risk analysis by 2011. The impact of this risk analysis and any subsequent changes cannot be estimated at this time.

U. S. Steel’s cokemaking facilities are subject to two categories of MACT standards. The first category applies to pushing and quenching. EPA is required to make a risk-based determination for pushing and quenching emissions and determine whether additional emissions reductions are necessary from this process by 2011. EPA has yet to publish or propose any residual risk standards from these operations; therefore, the impact cannot be estimated at this time. The second category of MACT standards applying to coke facilities applies to emissions from charging, coke oven battery tops, and coke oven doors. With regard to these standards, U. S. Steel chose to install more stringent controls than MACT on some of its batteries, called Lowest Achievable Emissions Reductions (LAER). Such LAER batteries are expectednot required to be adopted incomply with certain residual risk standards until 2020. Because the scope of these anticipated changes are distant and unknown,relatively uncertain, the magnitude of the impact of these anticipated changes cannot be estimated at this time.

U. S. Steel’s iron ore processing operations are subject to the Taconite Iron Ore Processing MACT standards. These standards may change if EPA revises the MACT standards in response to a petition filed by an environmental advocacy group. In addition, EPA will make a risk-based determination for taconite iron ore processing and determine whether additional emissions reductions are necessary from this process by 2011. EPA has yet to publish or propose any residual risk standards from these operations; therefore, the impact of any changes cannot be estimated at this time.

The CAA also requires EPA to develop and implement National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants, which include, among others, particulate matter and ozone. In 1997, EPA established 24-hour and annual standards for fine particles that are less than 2.5 micrometers in size (PM_2.5); and in 2006, EPA tightened the 24-hour standard for PM_2.5, but retained the annual standard.

States are required to demonstrate compliance with the 1997 fine particle standard by April 2010, with a possible extension to April 2015. On December 22, 2008, EPA designated areas in which U. S. Steel operates as “nonattainment” and “unclassified/attainment” for the 2006 fine particle standard. State Implementation Plans for the 2006 standard are expected to be due in early 2013, with attainment demonstrations with the 2006 standard expected to be made between 2014 and 2019.

It is anticipated that EPA’s fine particle programs could result in significant costs to U. S. Steel; however, it is impossible to estimate the magnitude of these costs at this time as state and federal agencies are still developing regulations for the programs and implementation is not expected until between 2008later in 2009 (1997 standard) and 2018in 2019 (2006 standard).

In June 2007,Effective May 2008, EPA proposed to modify the NAAQS forlowered its ground level ozone air quality standards, which could affect sources of nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds, which include coke plants, and iron and steel facilities. EPA is required to issue final designations of attainment, nonattainment and unclassifiable areas no later than March 2010 unless there is insufficient information to make these designation decisions. In that case, EPA will issue designations no later than March 2011. States must submit State Implementation Plans outlining how they will reduce pollution to meet the standards by a date that is no later than three years after EPA’s final designations. If EPA issues designations in 2010 or 2011, these plans would be due no later than 2013 or 2014, respectively. States are required to meet the standards by deadlines that may vary based on the severity of the problem in the area. It is anticipated that the ozone NAAQS revisions could result in significant costcosts to U. S. Steel; however, it is impossible to estimate the magnitude of these costs at this time since the rule has not yet been finalized, and the proposed rule anticipates implementation dates between 2013are unknown and 2030.distant.

For additional information regarding significant enforcement actions, capital expenditures and costs of compliance, see “Item 3. Legal Proceedings – Environmental Proceedings” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Environmental Matters, Litigation and Contingencies.”

Water

U. S. Steel maintains discharge permits as required under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program of the CWA, and conducts our operations to be in compliance with such permits. For additional information regarding enforcement actions, capital expenditures and costs of compliance, see “Item 3. Legal Proceedings – Environmental Proceedings” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Environmental Matters, Litigation and Contingencies.”

Solid Waste

U. S. Steel continues to seek methods to minimize the generation of hazardous wastes in our operations. RCRA establishes standards for the management of solid and hazardous wastes. Besides affecting current waste disposal practices, RCRA also addresses the environmental effects of certain past waste disposal operations, the recycling of wastes and the regulation of storage tanks. Corrective action under RCRA related to past waste disposal activities is discussed below under “Remediation.” For additional information regarding significant enforcement actions, capital expenditures and costs of compliance, see “Item 3. Legal Proceedings – Environmental–Environmental Proceedings” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Environmental Matters, Litigation and Contingencies.”

Remediation

A significant portion of U. S. Steel’s currently identified environmental remediation projects relate to the remediation of former and present operating locations. A number of these locations were sold by U. S. Steel and are subject to cost-sharing and remediation provisions in the sales agreements. Projects include completion of the remediation of the Grand Calumet River, remediation of the former Geneva Works and the former Duluth Works, and the closure and remediation of permitted hazardous and non-hazardous waste landfills.

U. S. Steel is also involved in a number of remedial actions under CERCLA, RCRA and other federal and state statutes, particularly third party waste disposal sites where disposal of U. S. Steel-generated material occurred, and it is possible that additional matters may come to our attention which may require remediation. For additional information regarding remedial actions, capital expenditures and costs of compliance, see “Item 3. Legal Proceedings – Environmental Proceedings” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Environmental Matters, Litigation and Contingencies.”

Property, Plant and Equipment Additions

For property, plant and equipment additions, including capital leases, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition, Cash Flows and Liquidity – Cash Flows” and NotesNote 11 and 21 to the Financial Statements.

Employees

As of December 31, 2007,2008, U. S. Steel had approximately 28,00029,000 employees in North America and approximately 21,00020,000 in Europe. Approximately 1,500On February 6, 2009, U. S. Steel announced that approximately 500 employees of USSK acceptedhave elected to retire under a voluntary early retirement programVoluntary Early Retirement Program offered to certain non-represented Headquarters and Operations employees in 2007,the United States who met age and 670 had left the company by December 31.years-of-service criteria. The majority will be retiring on February 28, 2009.

Most hourly employees of U. S. Steel’s steel, cokeflat-rolled, tubular, cokemaking and iron ore pellet facilities in the United States are covered by a collective bargaining agreementagreements with the USW which expiresentered into effective September 1, 2008 (the 2008 CBAs) that expire in September 2008.2012. The 2008 CBAs resulted in wage increases ranging from $0.65 to $1.00 per hour as of the effective date. Each subsequent September 1 thereafter during the contract term, employees will receive a four percent wage increase. The 2008 CBAs also require U. S. Steel to make annual $75 million contributions to a restricted account within our trust for retiree health care and life insurance during the contract period. The 2008 CBAs also provide for pension and other benefit enhancements for both current employees and retirees (see Notes 16 and 19 to the Financial Statements). At Granite City Works, a small number

of employees are represented by the Bricklayers, or Laborers International or International Chemical Workers unions. Agreements with these unions expire in November and December 2008. The majority of represented employees at the former Lone Star facilities in East Texas are covered by collective bargaining agreements with the USW that expire in July 2008; and ahave varying expiration dates. A small number of those employees at Texas Operations are represented by the Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America or the Bricklayers International union. Agreements with these unions expireunder an agreement that expires in September 20102010. Hourly employees at the Bellville Operations are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the USW that expires in June 2011. Hourly employees at Tubular Processing Services in Houston, Texas and July 2008, respectively.Wheeling Machine Products in Hughes Springs, Texas have elected USW representation and negotiations for initial collective bargaining agreements are currently in process. Hourly employees engaged in transportation activities in the United States are represented by the USW and other unions and are covered by collective bargaining agreements with varying expiration dates. There

are two collective bargaining agreements with the USW at USSC. The agreement covering employees at Lake Erie Works expires in July 2009 and the agreement covering employees at Hamilton Works expires in July 2010. All of the agreements in North America contain no-strike clauses. In Europe, most represented employees at USSK are represented by the OZ Metalurg union and are covered by an agreement that expiredexpires in December 2007; however, the current terms remain in effect until new terms are negotiated.March 2012. Represented employees at USSS are covered by a three-year collective bargaining agreement that expires in November 2009. Wage increases have been agreed to for all three years;years for both USSE agreements; therefore, there will be no annual wage negotiations.

Available Information

U. S. Steel’s Internet address iswww.ussteel.com. We post our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our proxy statement to our web site as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We also post all press releases and earnings releases to our web site.

All other filings with the SEC are available via a direct link on the U. S. Steel web site to the SEC’s web site,www.sec.gov.

Also available on the U. S. Steel web site are U. S. Steel’s Corporate Governance Principles, our Code of Ethical Business Conduct and the charters of the Audit Committee, the Compensation & Organization Committee and the Corporate Governance & Public Policy Committee of the Board of Directors. These documents and the Annual Report on Form 10-K are also available in print to any shareholder who requests them. Such requests should be sent to the Office of the Corporate Secretary, United States Steel Corporation, 600 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219-2800 (telephone: 412-433-4801)412-433-2998).

U. S. Steel does not intend to incorporate the contents of any web site into this document.

Other Information

Information on net sales, depreciation, capital expenditures and income from operations by reportable segment and for Other Businesses and on net sales and assets by geographic area are set forth in Note 3 to the Financial Statements.

For significant operating data for U. S. Steel for each of the last five years, see “Five-Year Operating Summary (Unaudited)” on pages F-60F-64 and F-61.F-65.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

Risk Factors Concerning the Current Global Recession

The volatile global economic climate is having significant negative effects on our business and our forward view is limited because of low order backlogs and short lead times. All segments of our business have been impacted and such impacts have created certain new risks and have also affected the other risks set forth below.

U. S. Steel’s end product markets have been severely affected.

Our Flat-rolled and European segments sell to the automotive, appliance and construction-related industries, all of which have reported substantially lower customer demand due to the ongoing global recession. Prices for both oil and natural gas have fallen dramatically and this has led to a substantial decrease in oil and gas drilling activity, which has resulted in lower customer demand for our Tubular segment. As a result, U. S. Steel’s operating levels have fallen and will remain at depressed levels until our customers’ demand increases.

In addition to slackening demand by end customers, we believe that some of our customers are experiencing difficulty in obtaining credit or maintaining their ability to qualify for trade credit insurance, resulting in a further reduction in purchases and an increase in our credit risk exposure. The duration of the recession and the trajectory of the recovery for these industries may have a significant impact on U. S. Steel.

U. S. Steel may not be able to access financial markets and there may be difficulty drawing upon existing financial agreements.

Given the current economic environment, it is unclear on what terms if any we could access the capital markets. Lehman Brothers Commercial Bank (Lehman) holds a $15 million commitment in our $750 million credit facility (Credit Facility). With the bankruptcy filing by Lehman’s parent, we do not know if Lehman could or would fund its share of the commitment. Other lenders may be facing financial difficulties and may be unable or unwilling to honor a draw request. Accordingly, there may be a reduction of the sums normally available under our credit facilities. This decrease in available credit may increase the risk of our customers defaulting on their payment obligations to U. S. Steel and may cause some of our suppliers to be delayed in filling or to be unable to fill our needs. Customer defaults may trigger repurchases or reduce the availability under our accounts receivables facility. In addition, that facility is funded by the sale of commercial paper by the purchasers so volatility in the commercial paper market may increase costs under that facility. Interest rates under the Credit Facility, our other variable rate credit facilities and our term loans may be set by auction among the lenders or as a margin over published rates such as the London Interbank Offered Rate and the Fed Funds Rate, which may result in substantially higher interest rates.

U. S. Steel may face increased risks of customer and supplier defaults.

There is an increased risk of insolvency and other credit related issues of our customers, particularly those in hard hit industries such as automotive, construction and appliance. Also, there is the possibility that our suppliers may face similar risks.

U. S. Steel’s joint ventures and other equity investees are also being affected by the current global recession.

U. S. Steel’s joint ventures and other equity affiliates are also engaged in the production of raw materials and the production or sales of flat-rolled and tubular products. As such they face many of the same issues previously described concerning U. S. Steel. Since these entities are smaller than U. S. Steel they may have fewer resources available to them to respond to the current global recession.

Risk Factors Concerning the Steel Industry

Steel consumption is cyclical and worldwide overcapacity in the steel industry and the availability of alternative products have resulted in intense competition, which may have an adverse effect on profitability and cash flow.flow, especially during periods of economic weakness.

Steel consumption is highly cyclical and generally follows general economic and industrial conditions both worldwide and in regional markets. The steel industry has historically been characterized by excess world supply, which has led to substantial price decreases during periods of economic weakness. FutureThe current economic downturns could decreasedownturn has decreased the demand for our products.products and is negatively affecting our profitability and cash flow. Substitute materials are increasingly available for many steel products, which further reduces demand for steel.

Rapidly growing supply in China and other developing economies, which may increase faster than increases in demand in those economies, may result in additional excess worldwide capacity and falling steel prices.

Over the last several years, steel consumption in China and other developing economies has increased at a rapid pace. Steel companies have responded by developing plans to rapidly increase steel production capability in these countries. Steel production, especially in China, has been expandingexpanded rapidly and appears to be well in excess of

Chinese demand. Because China is now the largest worldwide steel producer by a significant margin, any significant excess Chinese capacity could have a major impact on world steel trade and prices if this excess and subsidized

production is exported to other markets. Since the Chinese steel industry is largely government owned, it may not be as adversely impacted by the current world financial situation and it may make production and sales decisions for non-market reasons.

Increased imports of steel products into North America and Europe could negatively affect steel prices and demand levels and reduce our profitability.

Steel imports to the United States accounted for an estimated 2628 percent of the domestic steel market in 2008, 26 percent in 2007 and 31 percent in 2006 and 25 percent in 2005.2006. Foreign competitors may have lower labor costs, and some are owned, controlled or subsidized by their governments, which allows their production and pricing decisions to be influenced by political and economic policy considerations as well as prevailing market conditions. The recent expiration in 2007 of a number of antidumping and countervailing duty orders may facilitate additional imports.imports in 2009 and beyond. In addition, the recent strengthening of the U.S. dollar makes imports more attractive to steel purchasers in the United States.

SteelImports of tubular products increased significantly in 2008. Oil country tubular goods (OCTG) accounted for a large share of the growth as they have more than doubled over 2007 levels. Imports of OCTG from China registered the most dramatic increase as they grew from 900,000 tons in 2007 to nearly 2.3 million tons in 2008. The U.S. market experienced a surge in tubular imports in the second half of 2008 that resulted in record OCTG inventories by the end of the year, which is expected to affect demand in 2009.

Imports of flat-rolled steel to Canada have accounted for over halfan estimated 25 percent of the Canadian market for flat-rolled steel products since 2005, representing 52 percent of the flat-rolled steel market in the first nine months of 2007, 532008, 27 percent in 20062007 and 5134 percent in 2005.2006.

The flat-rolled steel market in Europe has become extremely attractive for imports in the last two years. Total imports of flat-rolled carbon steel products to the EU27 rose by 72were 15 percent of the EU market in 2006 compared to 2005, and by 212008, 17 percent in 2007 compared to 2006. Imports of galvanized sheets to the EU27 increased by 74and 14 percent in 2007 compared to 2006, while imports of galvanized sheets from China to the EU27 increased by 136 percent during the same period.2006.

Increases in future levels of imported steel to North America and Europe could reduce future market prices and demand levels for steel products produced in those markets.

Imports into the United States, Canada and the European Union have often violated the international trade laws of these jurisdictions. While in some cases U. S. Steel and others have been successful in obtaining relief under these laws, in other circumstances relief has not been received. When received, such relief is generally subject to automatic or discretionary recision or reduction. There can be no assurance that any such relief will be obtained or continued in the future or that such relief as may be obtained will be adequate.

Increases in prices and limited availability of raw materials and energy may constrain operating levels and reduce profit margins.

Steel producers require large amounts of raw materials – iron ore or other iron containing material, steel scrap, coke, coal, zinc, tin and other metallic additions for integrated producers such as U. S. Steel, and scrap, zinc and other metallic additions for mini-mill producers. Both integrated and mini-mill producers consume large amounts of energy. Over the last several years, prices for raw materials and energy have increased significantly. In many cases these price increasesprices have beenincreased by a greater percentage or have decreased more slowly than price increasesthe selling prices for the sale of steel products.

U. S. Steel and other steel producers have periodically been faced with problems in obtaining sufficient raw materials and energy in a timely manner due to shortages or transportation problems (such as shortages of barges, ocean vessels, rail cars or trucks, or unavailability of rail lines or of locks on the Great Lakes), resulting in production curtailments. USSSUSSE is dependent upon availability of natural gas in Serbia, which is dependent upon a single pipeline. Serbia hasfrom Russia through Ukraine. USSE experienced majornatural gas curtailments during periods of peak demand in Eastern Europe and Russia. TheseRussia in 2006 and during Russia’s suspension of gas shipments to Europe in January 2009. Resulting production curtailments and escalated costs have reduced profit margins and any future curtailments and escalated costs may do so in the future.reduce profit margins.

Environmental compliance and remediation could result in substantially increased capital requirements and operating costs.

Steel producers in the United States are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. These laws continue to evolve and are becoming increasingly stringent. The

ultimate impact of complying with such laws and regulations is not always clearly known or determinable because regulations under some of these laws have not yet been promulgated or are undergoing revision. Environmental laws and regulations, particularly the Clean Air Act, could result in substantially increased capital, operating and compliance costs.

International environmental requirements vary. While standards in the European Union, Canada and Japan are generally comparable to U.S. standards, other nations, particularly China, have substantially lesser requirements that may give competitors in such nations a competitive advantage.

Risk Factors Concerning U. S. Steel Legacy Obligations

Many lawsuits have been filed against U. S. Steel involving asbestos-related injuries, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flow.

U. S. Steel is a defendant in a large number of cases in which approximately 3,000 claimants actively allege a variety of respiratory and other diseases based on alleged exposure to asbestos. It is possible that we may experience large judgments against us in the future that could have an impact upon the number of future claims filed against us and on the amount of future settlements, which would have an adverse impact on our profitability and cash flow.

Our retiree employee health care and retiree life insurance plan costs, most of which are unfunded obligations, and our pension plan costs in North America are higher than those of many of our competitors. These plans create a competitive disadvantage and negatively affect our profitability and cash flow.

We maintain defined benefit retiree health care and life insurance and defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans covering most of our North American employees and former employees upon their retirement. As of December 31, 2007,2008, approximately 134,000130,000 current employees, retirees and beneficiaries are participating in the plans to receive pension and/or medical benefits. At December 31, 2008, U. S. Steel’s benefit obligations for retiree medical and life insurance (other benefits) exceeded trust assets by $2.9$3.1 billion, an increase of $210 million from the amount at the end of 2007. The funded status of the projected pension benefit obligation decreased from a net overfunded position of $223 million at year-end 2007 to a net underfunded position of $2.0 billion at year-end 2007. Of this underfunding, $1.1 billion was assumed with the Stelco acquisition. 2008.

Most of our other benefits and pension benefits are subject to collective bargaining agreements with unionized workforces and will be subject to future negotiations. Minimum contributions to the maindomestic qualified pension planplans are controlled under ERISA and other government regulations. In connection with the Stelco acquisition, U. S. Steel guaranteed Stelco’sMinimum contributions to USSC pension funding obligations underplans are governed by an agreement entered into by Stelco and the Province of Ontario. In 2008,Ontario that U. S. Steel assumed in conjunction with the acquisition of Stelco. This agreement requires defined annual contributions totaling $78 million will be required under this agreement. The net underfunded statusuntil the earlier of our Canadian defined benefit pensionfull solvency funding for the four main plans ator until December 31, 2007 was $347 million.2015, when minimum funding requirements for the plans resume under the provincial pension legislation. Substantial cash contributions willmay be required to fund other benefits and pension benefits.pensions. Total costs for pension plans and other benefits are expected to be approximately $200$380 million in 2009, an increase of $153 million from 2008.

Many domestic and international competitors do not provide defined benefit retiree health care and life insurance and pension plans, and other international competitors operate in jurisdictions with government sponsored health care plans that may offer them a cost advantage. Several domestic competitors provide defined contribution health care and pensionBenefit obligations under our plans with contributions increased based upon profitability. This will provide these competitors withare not tied to operating rates; therefore, our costs are not expected to decline as a significant competitive advantage during periodsresult of low profits.the current global recession or any other future economic downturns.

U. S. Steel contributes to a multiemployer plan in the United States covering pensions for USW representedUSW-represented workers formerly employed by National Steel and workers hired after May 2003. We have legal and contractual requirements for future funding of this plan, which will have a negative effect on our cash flows. The collective bargaining agreements with the USW entered into effective September 1, 2008 (the 2008 CBAs) increased our required contributions to this plan from $1.80 to $2.65 per hour worked. In addition, funding requirements for participants could increase as a result of any underfunding of this plan.

The recent turmoil in financial markets has led to significant declines in the value of equity investments that are held by the trusts under our pension plans and the trust to pay for retiree health care and life insurance benefits, which has contributed to the underfunded position at December 31, 2008. Since the Pension Protection Act of 2006 was enacted, U. S. Steel has not been required to make mandatory contributions to our main U.S. pension plan. Such contributions may be required in the future.

We have higher environmental remediation costs than our competitors. This creates a competitive disadvantage and negatively affects our profitability and cash flow.

U. S. Steel is involved in numerous remediation projects at currently operating facilities, facilities that have been closed or sold to thirdunrelated parties and other sites where material generated by U. S. Steel was deposited. In addition, there are numerous other former operating or disposal sites that could become the subject of remediation.

Environmental remediation costs and related cash requirements of many of our competitors may be substantially less than ours. Many international competitors do not face similar laws in the jurisdictions where they operate. Many U.S. competitors have substantially shorter operating histories than we do, resulting in less exposure for environmental remediation. Competitors that have obtained relief under bankruptcy laws may have been released from certain environmental obligations that existed prior to the bankruptcy filing.

Other Risk Factors Applicable to U. S. Steel

Unplanned equipment outages and other unforeseen disruptions may reduce our results of operations.

Our steel production depends on the operation of critical pieces of equipment, such as blast furnaces, casters and hot strip mills. It is possible that we could experience prolonged periods of reduced production due to equipment failures at our facilities or those of our key suppliers. It is also possible that operations may be disrupted due to other unforeseen circumstances such as power outages, explosions, fires, floods, accidents and severe weather conditions. Production at USSE was curtailed in January 2009 due to the suspension of natural gas deliveries to Europe from Russia and we remain vulnerable to this risk. Availability of raw materials and delivery of products to customers could be affected by logistical disruptions (such as shortages of barges, ocean vessels, rail cars or trucks, or unavailability of rail lines or of locks on the Great Lakes). To the extent that lost production could not be compensated for at unaffected facilities and depending on the length of the outage, our sales and our unit production costs could be adversely affected. USSE’s shipments in the fourth quarter of 2007 were reduced by outbound rail transportation service disruptions.

We may be unable to recover cost increases as we supply customers with steel under long-term fixed price sales contracts.

Historically approximately 50 percent of U. S. Steel’s flat-rolled product sales in the United States have been based on sales contracts with durations of at least one year. These contracts generally have a fixed price or a price that will fluctuate with changes in a defined index. To the extent that raw materials, energy, labor or other costs increase over the terms of the various contracts, U. S. Steel may not be able to recover these cost increases from customers with fixed price agreements. While U. S. Steel may from time to time enter into forward purchase contracts to establish future prices for a portion of our requirements, we would remain at risk for our remaining requirements and would create another risk in the event that future prices decline below the prices that the forward purchases have established.

CustomerDeclines in the production levels of our major customers and customer payment defaults could have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flow.

ManyFlat-rolled and USSE sell to the automotive, appliance and construction-related industries, all of which have reported substantially lower customer demand due to the ongoing global recession. Prices for both oil and natural gas have fallen dramatically leading to a reduction in oil and gas exploration and development, which in turn has resulted in lower customer demand for our Tubular segment. In addition to slackening demand by end customers, we believe that some of our customers operateare experiencing difficulty in cyclicalobtaining credit, which has further reduced their purchases from us. The duration of the recession and the trajectory of the recovery for these industries such as oil and gas, service center, conversion, automotive and appliance, and could experience financial difficulties in times of economic downturn. may have a significant impact on U. S. Steel.

In some cases, these difficulties may result in bankruptcy filings or cessation of operations. If customers experiencing financial problems default on paying amounts owed to us, we may not be able to collect these amounts or recognize expected revenue.amounts. Any material payment defaults by our customers could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Also, a materialThe decrease in available credit may increase the risk of our customers defaulting on their payment default couldobligations to U. S. Steel and may cause a mandatory repayment some of our suppliers to be delayed in filling

or a reductionunable to fill our needs. Customer defaults may trigger repurchases or reduce the availability under our accounts receivables facility. In addition, that facility is funded by the sale of commercial paper by the purchasers so volatility in the amount of receivables eligible for sale,commercial paper market may increase costs under our receivables sale program. The Lone Star and Stelco acquisitions have increased our exposure to customers in many of these cyclical industries.that facility.

The terms of our indebtedness contain provisions that may limit our flexibility.

In 2007, we entered into a five-year $750 million revolving credit facility (Credit Facility) and five-year and three-year term loan facilities both in the amount of $500 million (Term Loan Facilities)., with $655 million outstanding under the Term Loan Facilities at December 31, 2008. These facilities include an interest coverage ratio (consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) to consolidated interest expense) covenant of 2:1 and a leverage ratio (consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA) covenant of 3.25:1. We also issued $1.6 billion of Senior Notes in 2007 that contain covenants restricting our ability to create liens and engage in sale-leasebacks and requiring the repurchase of the Senior Notes upon a change of control under specified circumstances, as well as other customary provisions. Compliance with these covenants will depend upon future operating results and other factors that are at least partially outside of our control. These covenants may affect our ability to operate our business and may limit our ability to take advantage of potential business opportunities.

Rating agencies may downgrade our credit ratings, which would make it more difficult for us to raise capital and would increase our financial costs.

Any downgrade in our credit ratings may make raising capital more difficult, may increase the cost and affect the terms of future borrowings, may affect the terms under which we purchase goods and services, and may limit our ability to take advantage of potential business opportunities.

“Change in control” clauses may require usin our financial and labor agreements grant the other party rights to immediately purchaseaccelerate obligations and to terminate or repay debt.extend our labor agreements,

Upon the occurrence of “change in control” events specified in our Senior Notes, Credit Facility, Term Loan Facilities and various other contracts and leases, the holders of our indebtedness may require us to immediately purchaserepurchase or repay that debt on less than favorable terms. We may not haveAdditionally, the financial resources2008 CBAs give the USW the right to make these purchases and repayments, andeither terminate or extend the collective bargaining agreements for an additional four years.

A “change of control” is generally defined to include any of the following: (a) the acquisition by a failure to repurchaseperson or repay such indebtedness would trigger cross-acceleration clauses undergroup of at least 35 percent of our common stock, (b) a merger in which holders of our common stock own less than a majority of the Senior Notes and other indebtedness.equity in the resulting entity, or (c) replacement of a majority of the members of our Board of Directors.

Our foreign operations expose us to uncertainties and risks in the countries in which we operate, which could negatively affect our results of operations and cash flow.

Our U.S. operations are subject to economic conditions and political factors in the United States, which if changed could negatively affect our results of operations and cash flow. Political factors include, but are not limited to, taxation, inflation, increased regulation, limitations on exports of energy and raw materials, and trade remedies. Actions taken by the new U.S. Administration could affect our results of operations and cash flow.

USSK, located in Slovakia, USSS, located in Serbia, and USSC, located in Canada, constitute 39 percent of our total raw steel production capability. Both USSK and USSSAll of them are subject to economic conditions and political factors in Europe,the countries in which if changed could negatively affect our results of operationsthey are located, and cash flow. USSCUSSK is additionally subject to economic conditions and political factors associated with the European Union and the euro currency. Changes in Canada, which if changedany of these economic conditions or political factors could negatively affect our results of operations and cash flow. Political factors include, but are not limited to, taxation, nationalization, inflation, government instability, civil unrest, increased regulation and quotas, tariffs and other protectionist measures.

Any future foreign acquisitions would expose us to similar risks.

We are subject to significant foreign currency risks, which could negatively impact our profitability and cash flows.

Our foreign operations accounted for approximately 3034 percent of our net sales in 2007.2008. The financial condition and results of operations of USSK, USSS and USSC are reported in various foreign currencies and then translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable exchange rate for inclusion in our financial statements. The appreciation of the U.S. dollar against these foreign currencies could have a negative impact on our consolidated profitability.

In addition, the Stelco acquisition of USSC was funded from the United States, as well as through the reinvestment of undistributed foreign earnings from USSE, creating intercompany monetary assets and liabilities in differentcurrencies other than the functional currencies of the entities involved, which can have a non-cash impact on income when they are remeasured at the end of each quarter. A $1.2 billionAn $815 million U.S. dollar-denominated intercompany loan to a European affiliate was the primary exposure at December 31, 2007.2008.

Any future foreign acquisitions would expose us to similar risks.

Greenhouse gas policies could negatively affect our results of operations and cash flows.

The integrated steel process involves a series of chemical reactions involving carbon that create carbon dioxide (CO₂). This distinguishes integrated steel producers from mini-mills and many other industries where CO₂ generation is generally linked to energy usage. The European Union (EU) has established greenhouse gas regulations and Canada and the United States may also do so. These limitations could have a negative effect on income and cash flows. Since mini-mill production does not involve the same chemical reactions as integrated production, mini-mills may have a competitive advantage. Also since China and many other developing nations have not instituted greenhouse gas regulations, and since past international agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol provided exemptions and lesser standards for developing nations, we may also be at a competitive disadvantage.

The new U.S. Administration has announced its commitment to implement a national cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. The parameters and timetable of this proposed program have not been announced but it could have a negative impact on production levels, income and cash flows. Furthermore, it could have negative impacts on our suppliers and customers that could result in higher costs and lower sales for us.

On April 26, 2007, Canada’s federal government announced an Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gases and Air Pollution. The federal government plans to set mandatory reduction targets on all major greenhouse gas producing industries to achieve an absolute reduction of 150 megatonnes in greenhouse gas emissions from 2006 levels by 2020. Facilities existing in 2006 will be required to cut their greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 18 percent by 2010, with a further two percent reduction in each following year. Implementing regulations are expected to be issued for public comment in the spring of 2008. Companies will be able to choose the most cost-effective way to meet their targets from a range of options. Environment Canada has indicated that the proposed rules will contain exemptions for fixed process gas emissions industries, including steel, for which an exemption of 62 percent of greenhouse gas emissions is contemplated. Certain provinces have enacted climate change rules and Ontario may also do so. These limitations could have a negative effect on production levels and income and cash flows.

The European Commission (EC) has established a CO₂ emission trading scheme for EU member countries. Under this program Slovakia has received fewer CO₂ emissions allowances than it requested for both the first period (2005 through 2007) and second period (2008 through 2012). The Slovak Ministry of the Environment, in turn, awarded USSK fewer allowances than USSK had requested for the first period, and has proposed to award USSK fewer allowances than requested for the second period.both periods. USSK purchased emissions allowances to cover its shortfall for the first period and, as to future periods, we may be required to reduce USSK’s production or purchase emission allowances, either of which may have a negative impact on income and cash flows.

Our business requires substantial expenditures for debt service, contingent obligations, capital investment, operating leases and maintenance that we may be unable to fund.

With $3,257$3,145 million of debt outstanding as of December 31, 2007,2008, we have significant debt service requirements.

Our operations are capital intensive. For the five-year period ended December 31, 2007,2008, total capital expenditures were $2.9 billion.$3.5 billion, including $161 million of expenditures by Gateway Energy & Coke Company, LLC (Gateway)

that are consolidated in our financial results based on Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46(R). At December 31, 2007,2008, our contract commitments to acquire property, plant and equipment totaled $434$271 million and we were obligated to make aggregate lease payments of $252$186 million under operating leases. The acquisitions of USSC and the former Lone Star facilities will increase our capital expenditure requirements. We are also consideringplanning a $1 billionsignificant capital investment program over a period of years for new coke oven batteries at our Clairton Plant, replacing existing batteries that are nearing the end of their useful lives and rehabilitating several other existing batteries. We are pursuing an opportunity with an affiliatecurrently in the first phase of SunCoke Energy, Inc. to constructthis investment, which includes construction of a technologically and environmentally advanced coke battery that will replace the current capacity of three older units, and rehabilitation of several existing coke batteries. Also, Gateway is in the process of constructing a coke plant to supply Granite City Works and we are constructing a cogeneration facility that is contingent upon obtainingwill utilize by-products and that we will own and operate. Should we choose to defer capital expenditures to conserve cash, it could become more expensive to complete such deferred projects in the necessary permits.future.

In addition to capital expenditures and lease payments, we spend significant amounts for maintenance of raw material, raw steel and steel-finishing production facilities.

As of December 31, 2007,2008, we had contingent obligations consisting of indemnity obligations under active surety bonds, trusts and letters of credit totaling approximately $143$147 million, guaranteesoperating lease obligations of approximately $15$29 million that may be declared immediately due and payable in the event of indebtedness for unconsolidated entitiesthe bankruptcy of Marathon Oil Corporation, and contractual purchase commitments under purchase orders and “take or pay” arrangements of approximately $4.4$13.5 billion. As the general partner of the Clairton 1314B Partnership, L.P., we are obligated to fund cash shortfalls incurred by that partnership but may withdraw as the general partner if we are required to fund in excess of $150 million in operating cash shortfalls.

Our business may not generate sufficient operating cash flow, or external financing sources may not be available in amounts sufficient, to enable us to service or refinance our indebtedness or to fund other liquidity needs. We intend indefinitely to reinvest undistributed foreign earnings overseas;outside the United States; however, if we need to repatriate funds in the future to satisfy our liquidity needs, the tax consequences would reduce income and cash flow.

We have approximately $1.2 billion of revolving credit facilities and a $500 million accounts receivable securitization facility, which provide us with available financing to meet our cash needs. In light of the current volatile market environment, we may not be able to obtain the full amount of the funds available under these facilities.

U. S. Steel is exposed to uninsured losses.

U. S. Steel’s insurance coverage against catastrophic casualty and business interruption exposures contains certain common exclusions, substantial deductibles and self insurance retentions.

Our collective bargaining agreements may limit our flexibility.

The collective bargaining agreement with the USW covering the majorityMost hourly employees of represented employees at the former Lone Star facilities in East Texas expires July 31, 2008, and the agreement covering the remainder of our U.S. steelU. S. Steel’s flat-rolled, tubular, cokemaking and iron ore operations expirespellet facilities in the United States are covered by the 2008 CBAs, which expire in September 1, 2008 (the 2003 Basic Labor Agreement). A work stoppage would adversely impact our results of operations. Customer concern about the possibility of a work stoppage could adversely impact our relationships with our customers causing them to choose to purchase from competitors. Terms of replacement for these collective bargaining2012. These agreements could be more costly or otherwise more onerous than our current agreements.

The 2003 Basic Labor Agreement containscontain provisions that prohibit us from pursuing any North American transaction involving steel or steel-related assets without the consent of the USW, grantsgrant the USW a right to bid on any sale of one or more facilities covered by the collective bargaining agreement, requires2008 CBAs, require us to make reasonable

and necessary capital expenditures to maintain the competitive status of our domestic facilities and requiresrequire mandatory pre-funding of a trust for retiree health care and life insurance based on, among other factors, dividend and pension funding levels. That agreementinsurance. These agreements also restrictsrestrict our ability to trade, sell or use foreign-produced coke and iron ore in North America, and further requiresrequire that the ratio of non-USW employees to USW employees at our domestic facilities not exceed one to five.

While other domestic integrated unionized steel producers have similar requirements in their agreements with the USW, some foreign and non-union domestic producers are not subject to such requirements.

There are risks associated with the Lone Star and Stelcopast acquisitions, as well as any acquisitions we may make in the future.

The Lone Star and Stelco acquisitions were premised upon the achievement of a number of synergies that may not be obtained. Factors that may affect expected synergies from the Lone Star and Stelco acquisitions include management’s ability to successfully integrate these operations; reactions of customers and joint venture partners; operating levels in the Flat-rolled and Tubular segments; and expansions or acquisitions by major competitors.

The Lone Star and Stelco acquisitions created $1.7$1.6 billion of goodwill on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2008, which exposes us to the risk of future impairment charges.

The Lone Star acquisition increased our tubular production capacity 36by more than 50 percent and the Stelco acquisition increased our North American steelmaking capability by 25 percent, thereby increasing our exposure to cyclical downturns in historically cyclical industries such as oil and gas, service center, conversion, automotive, construction and appliance.

The success of any future acquisitions will depend substantially on the accuracy of our analysis concerning such businesses and our ability to complete such acquisitions on favorable terms, to finance such acquisitions and to integrate the acquired operations successfully with existing operations. If we are unable to integrate new operations successfully, our financial results and business reputation could suffer. Our recent acquisitions involved purchase prices significantly higher than the prices we paid for our acquisitions in 2003. Such prices will make it more difficult to achieve adequate financial returns. Additional risks associated with acquisitions are the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns, the potential loss of key employees and customers of the acquired companies, the possible assumption of unknown liabilities, potential disputes with the sellers, and the inherent risks in entering markets or lines of business in which we have limited or no prior experience. International acquisitions may present unique challenges and increase the Company’s exposure to the risks associated with foreign operations and countries. Antitrust and similar laws in foreign jurisdictions may prevent us from completing acquisitions.

We may be subject to litigation, the disposition of which could negatively affect our profitability and cash flow in a particular period.

Our profitability or cash flow in a particular period could be affected by an adverse ruling in any litigation currently pending in the courts or by litigation that may be filed against us in the future. For information regarding our current significant legal proceedings, see Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

Provisions of Delaware Law, our governing documents and our rights plan may make a takeover of U. S. Steel more difficult.

Certain provisions of Delaware law, our certificate of incorporation and by-laws and our rights plan could make more difficult or delay our acquisition by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise and the removal of incumbent directors. These provisions are intended to discourage certain types of coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids, even though such a transaction may offer our stockholders the opportunity to sell their stock at a price above the prevailing market price.

We may suffer employment losses, which could negatively affect our future performance.

A significant number of U. S. Steel’s U.S.-based non-union workforcenon-represented employees will be eligible for retirement over the next several years.

Over the last few years we have intensified our recruitment, training and retention efforts so that we may continue to optimally staff our operations. Failure to do so could negatively affect our future performance.

In response to the current economic situation, we have laid off many employees mainly at our idled facilities, have placed a temporary freeze on hiring and have offered a voluntary early retirement program (VERP) to certain non-represented employees. We are closely monitoring the impact of these actions to ensure that long-term staffing needs of our company will be met. Approximately 500 employees accepted the VERP and the majority will be retiring on February 28, 2009.

The current cost reduction actions will increase the number of personnel and organization changes and may increase the risk of internal control failures. We are monitoring these changes closely and expanding our training program.

We may experience difficulties implementing our enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.

We are currently pursuing the company-wide implementation ofimplementing an ERP system to help us operate more efficiently. This is a complex project, which would occuris expected to be implemented in several phases over the next several years. We may not be able to successfully implement the ERP program without experiencing difficulties. In addition, the expected benefits of implementing the ERP system may not be realized or the costs of implementation may outweigh the realized benefits. The acquisitionsWe recently extended the implementation schedule to reduce near-term costs. This action will delay the realization of USSCbenefits from this project and the former Lone Star facilities have made this process more complex.may add to final project costs.

Item 1B. UNRESOLVED1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

Item 2. PROPERTIES

The following tables list U. S. Steel’s main properties, their locations and their products and services:

Other Operations
Property		Location		Products and Services
U. S. Steel KosiceKošice		Kosice, Košice, Slovakia		Sheets; Tin mill; Strip mill plate; Tubular; Coke; Radiators; Refractories
U. S. Steel Serbia		Smederevo, Sabac and Kucevo, Serbia		Sheets; Tin mill; Strip mill plate;
				Limestone
Apolo Tubulars S.A.(a)		Lorena, Sao Paulo, Brazil		Tubular
Serbian Roll Service Company, d.o.o.(a)		Smederevo, Serbia		Roll Processing

(a)	Equity investee

U. S. Steel and its predecessors (including Lone Star) have owned their properties for many years with no material adverse claims asserted. In the case of Great Lakes Works, Granite City Works, the Midwest Plant and Keetac iron ore operations acquired from National Steel in 2003; the Smederevo, Sabac and Kucevo, Serbia operations acquired by U. S. Steel in 2003; and the Lake Erie Works and Hamilton Works of U. S. Steel Canada acquired in 2007; U. S. Steel or its subsidiaries are the beneficiaries of bankruptcy laws and orders providing that properties are held free and clear of past liabilities. In addition, U. S. Steel or its predecessors obtained title insurance, local counsel opinions or similar protections when the major properties were initially acquired.

Two major steel production facilities are leased. The caster facility at Fairfield, Alabama is subject to a lease expiring in 2012, with an option to purchase or to extend the lease. A coke battery at Clairton, Pennsylvania is subject to a lease through 2012, at which time title will pass to U. S. Steel. At the Midwest Plant in Indiana, U. S. Steel has a supply agreement for various utility services with a company which owns a cogeneration facility located on U. S. Steel property. The Midwest Plant agreement expires in 2013. The headquarters office space in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania used by U. S. Steel is leased through 2018.

For property, plant and equipment additions, including capital leases, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition, Cash Flows and Liquidity – Cash Flows” and NotesNote 11 and 21 to the Financial Statements.

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

U. S. Steel is the subject of, or a party to, a number of pending or threatened legal actions, contingencies and commitments involving a variety of matters, including laws and regulations relating to the environment. Certain of these matters are included below in this discussion. The ultimate resolution of these contingencies could, individually or in the aggregate, be material to the financial statements. However, management believes that U. S. Steel will remain a viable and competitive enterprise even though it is possible that these contingencies could be resolved unfavorably.

General Litigation

In March 2008, the Indiana Court of Appeals reversed a previous decision of the Indiana Utilities Regulatory Commission involving a rate escalation provision in U. S. Steel’s electric power supply contract with Northern Indiana Public Service Company and a reserve of $45 million related to prior year effects was established in the first quarter. In September 2008, the Indiana Supreme Court granted U. S. Steel’s petition to transfer the matter to that court, where the merits of the case were argued in November 2008. We are awaiting a decision.

On March 20, 2008, ArcelorMittal Dofasco, Inc. (Dofasco) served USSC with a statement of claim filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice seeking to require Cleveland Cliffs Inc., now Cliffs Natural Resources Inc., and USSC to complete a proposed transaction to sell their interests in the Wabush iron ore joint venture to Dofasco and to pay C$427 million in damages (approximately $349 million) or, alternatively, to pay damages of C$1.8 billion (approximately $1.5 billion) if the sale did not take place. On November 5, 2008, the court granted USSC’s Motion to Strike and Dofasco’s claim against USSC has been dismissed.

In a series of lawsuits filed in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois beginning September 12, 2008, individual direct or indirect buyers of steel products have asserted that eight steel manufacturers, including U. S. Steel, conspired in violation of antitrust laws to restrict the domestic production of raw steel and thereby to fix, raise, maintain or stabilize the price of steel products in the United States. The cases are filed as class actions and claim treble damages for the period 2005 to present, but do not allege any damage amounts. U. S. Steel will vigorously defend these lawsuits and does not believe that it has any liability regarding these matters.

Asbestos Litigation

As of December 31, 2008, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 450 active cases involving approximately 3,050 plaintiffs (claims). At December 31, 2007, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 325 active cases involving approximately 3,000 plaintiffs (claims), including cases involving businesses acquired from Lone Star. At December 31, 2006, U. S. Steel was a defendant in approximately 300 active cases involving approximately 3,700 plaintiffs. During 2007,2008, settlements and dismissals resulted in the disposition of approximately 1,230400 claims and U. S. Steel paid approximately $9$13 million in settlements. New filings added approximately 530450 claims.

Almost 2,650,2,600, or approximately 8885 percent, of these claims are currently pending in jurisdictions which permit filings with massive numbers of plaintiffs. Of these claims, about 1,550 are pending in Mississippi and over 1,100about 1,050 are pending in Texas. Based upon U. S. Steel’s experience in such cases, it believes that the actual number of plaintiffs who ultimately assert claims against U. S. Steel will likely be a small fraction of the total number of plaintiffs. Mississippi and Texas have amended their laws to curtail mass filings. As a consequence, most of the claims filed in 2008 and 2007 and 2006 involvedinvolve individual or small groups of claimants.

Historically, these claims against U. S. Steel fall into three major groups: (1) claims made by persons who allegedly were exposed to asbestos at U. S. Steel facilities (referred to as “premises claims”); (2) claims made by industrial workers allegedly exposed to products formerly manufactured by U. S. SteelSteel; and (3) claims made under certain federal and general maritime laws by employees of former operations of U. S. Steel. WhileIn general, the only insurance available to U. S. Steel haswith respect to asbestos claims is excess casualty insurance, these policies havewhich has multi-million dollar self-insured retentions. To date, U. S. Steel has not received anyminimal payments under these policies relating to asbestos claims. In most cases, this excess casualty insurance is the only insurance applicable to asbestos claims.

These asbestos cases allege a variety of respiratory and other diseases based on alleged exposure to asbestos. U. S. Steel is currently a defendant in cases in which a total of approximately 150190 plaintiffs allege that they are suffering from mesothelioma. The potential for damages against defendants may be greater in cases in which the plaintiffs can prove mesothelioma.

In many cases in which claims have been asserted against U. S. Steel, the plaintiffs have been unable to establish any causal relationship to U. S. Steel or our products or premises; however, with the decline in mass plaintiff cases the incidence of claimants actually alleging a claim against U. S. Steel is increasing. In addition, in many asbestos cases, the plaintiffs have been unable to demonstrate that they have suffered any identifiable injury or compensable loss at all; that any injuries that they have incurred did in fact result from alleged exposure to asbestos; or that such alleged exposure was in any way related to U. S. Steel or our products or premises.

In every asbestos case in which U. S. Steel is named as a party, the complaints are filed against numerous named defendants and generally do not contain allegations regarding specific monetary damages sought. To the extent that any specific amount of damages is sought, the amount applies to claims against all named defendants and in no case is there any allegation of monetary damages against U. S. Steel. Historically, approximately 89 percent of the cases against U. S. Steel did not specify any damage amount or stated that the damages sought exceeded the amount required to establish jurisdiction of the court in which the case was filed. (Jurisdictional amounts generally range from $25,000 to $75,000.) U. S. Steel does not consider the amount of damages alleged, if any, in a complaint to be relevant in assessing our potential exposure to asbestos liabilities. The ultimate outcome of any claim depends upon a myriad of legal and factual issues, including whether the plaintiff can prove actual disease, if any; actual exposure, if any, to U. S. Steel products; or the duration of exposure to asbestos, if any, on U. S. Steel’s premises. U. S. Steel has noted over the years that the form of complaint including its allegations, if any, concerning damages often depends upon the form of complaint filed by particular law firms and attorneys. Often the same damage allegation will be in multiple complaints regardless of the number of plaintiffs, the number of defendants, or any specific diseases or conditions alleged.

U. S. Steel aggressively pursues grounds for the dismissal of U. S. Steel from pending cases and litigates cases to verdict where we believe litigation is appropriate. U. S. Steel also makes efforts to settle appropriate cases, especially mesothelioma cases, for reasonable, and frequently nominal, amounts.

The following table shows activity with respect to asbestos litigation over the last three years:litigation:

The amount U. S. Steel has accrued for pending asbestos claims is not material to U. S. Steel’s financial position. U. S. Steel does not accrue for unasserted asbestos claims because it is not possible to determine whether any loss is probable with respect to such claims or even to estimate the amount or range of any possible losses. The vast majority of pending claims against us allege so-called “premises” liability-based exposure on U. S. Steel’s current or former premises. These claims are made by an indeterminable number of people such as truck drivers, railroad workers, salespersons, contractors and their employees, government inspectors, customers, visitors and even trespassers. In most cases, the claimant also was exposed to asbestos in non-U. S. Steel settings; the relative periods of exposure between U. S. Steel and non-U. S. Steel settings vary with each claimant; and the strength or weakness of the causal link between U. S. Steel exposure and any injury vary widely.

It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of asbestos-related lawsuits, claims and proceedings due to the unpredictable nature of personal injury litigation. Despite this uncertainty, management believes that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, although the resolution of such matters could significantly impact results of operations for a particular quarter. Among the factors considered in reaching this conclusion are: (1) that over the last several years, the total number of pending claims has declined; (2) that it has been many years since U. S. Steel employed maritime workers or manufactured or sold asbestos containing products; and (3) U. S. Steel’s history of trial outcomes, settlements and dismissals.

The foregoing statements of belief are forward-looking statements. Predictions as to the outcome of pending litigation are subject to substantial uncertainties with respect to (among other things) factual and judicial determinations, and actual results could differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements.

Environmental Proceedings

The following is a summary of the proceedings of U. S. Steel that were pending or contemplated as of December 31, 2007,2008, under federal and state environmental laws. Except as described herein, it is not possible to accurately predict the ultimate outcome of these matters.

CERCLA Remediation Sites

Claims under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and related state acts have been raised with respect to the cleanup of various waste disposal and other sites. CERCLA is intended to expedite the cleanup of hazardous substances without regard to fault. Potentially responsible parties (PRPs) for each site include present and former owners and operators of, transporters to and generators of the substances at the site. Liability is strict and can be joint and several. Because of various factors including the ambiguity of the regulations, the difficulty of identifying the responsible parties for any particular site, the complexity of determining the relative liability among them, the uncertainty as to the most desirable remediation techniques and the amount of damages and cleanup costs and the time period during which such costs may be incurred, it is impossible to reasonably estimate U. S. Steel’s ultimate cost of compliance with CERCLA.

Projections, provided in the following paragraphs, of spending for and/or timing of completion of specific projects are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions including,

but not limited to, the factors provided in the preceding paragraph. To the extent that these assumptions prove to be inaccurate, future spending for, or timing of completion of, environmental projects may differ materially from what was stated in forward-looking statements.

At December 31, 2007,2008, U. S. Steel had been identified as a PRP at a total of 2423 CERCLA sites where liability is not resolved. Based on currently available information, which is in many cases preliminary and incomplete, management believes that U. S. Steel’s liability for cleanup and remediation costs will be between $1 million and $5 million for onetwo of these sites, will be between $100,000 and $1 million per site for 13seven of these sites, and will be under $100,000 per site for nine12 of these sites.

At the remaining site,two sites, management estimates U. S. Steel’s share in the future cleanup costs to be $6.5$32.6 million, although it is not possible to accurately predict the amount of final allocation of such costs. ThatOne site is known as the Municipal & Industrial Disposal Co. site in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. In October 1991, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources (PADER) placed the site on the Pennsylvania State Superfund list and began a Remedial Investigation, (RI), which was issued in 1997. U. S. Steel and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) signed a Consent Order and Agreement on August 30, 2002, under which U. S. Steel is responsible for remediation of this site. In 2003 the Consent Order and Agreement became final. U. S. Steel has completed the remedial design for this site and it is being reviewed by PADEP. The other site is the former Duluth Works, which was listed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) under the Minnesota Environmental Response and Liability Act on its Permanent List of Priorities. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has included the Duluth Works site with the St. Louis River Interlake Duluth Tar site on EPA’s National Priorities List. The Duluth Works cleanup has proceeded since 1989. U. S. Steel has prepared a conceptual habitat enhancement plan (HEP) that includes measures to address contaminated sediments in the St. Louis River Estuary. MPCA (on behalf of EPA) has completed its second five-year review for the site. As a result, additional data collection will be required to address data gaps identified in the five-year review and corrective measures will be required to address the recently discovered areas of contamination on the upland property. Study, investigation and oversight costs along with implementation of corrective measures on the upland property and implementation of the HEP are currently estimated at $25.6 million.

In addition, there are 1311 sites related to U. S. Steel where information requests have been received or there are other indications that U. S. Steel may be a PRP under CERCLA, but where sufficient information is not presently available to confirm the existence of liability or to make any judgment as to the amount thereof.

Other Remediation Activities

There are 4348 additional sites where remediation is being sought under other environmental statutes, both federal and state, or where private parties are seeking remediation through discussions or litigation. Based on currently available information, which is in many cases preliminary and incomplete, management believes that liability for cleanup and remediation costs in connection with 1013 of these sites will be under $100,000 per site, another 1118 sites have potential costs between $100,000 and $1 million per site, and 1210 sites may involve remediation costs between $1 million and $5 million per site. As described below, costs for remediation, investigation, restoration or compensation are estimated to be in excess of $5 million per site at threetwo sites and in excess of $10 million at one site, and in excess of $20 million per site at two sites. Potential costs associated with remediation at the remaining fourthree sites are not presently determinable.