America: My Time

Chapter 610 A Tough Stance
Chapter 600 A Tough Stance
“A few months? There are only twelve months in a year, and mining companies rely on the mines for their livelihood. If this drags on any longer, they'll starve. Besides, there are already offers to accept; Taiwan and South Korea have both agreed. If you disagree, that's your own responsibility, and it has nothing to do with me. I'm just doing my duty by telling you all this. The mining companies don't want to drag this out with you any longer!” John said, a faint smile appearing on his face, as if he were mocking the Japanese companies.

“I can’t make the decision either. You still need to talk to them. Only they can make the decision. However, it seems that Quantum Mining supplies most of the iron ore to Taiwan and South Korea. Could it be that Quantum Mining has reached an agreement with them?” Soon, Akio Morita realized that Quantum Mining supplied most of the iron ore to South Korea and Taiwan. Only if Quantum Mining reached an agreement with them could it be considered a result.

"I also intend to go to Seoul to watch the Olympics!" John replied, seemingly unrelated to the question. He believed Akio Morita understood his meaning; it was an exchange of interests, a compromise between the two sides—you have to give to receive. This world is a world of exchange of interests. These Japanese guys only think about getting something for nothing, without wanting to pay the price. How could there be such a good deal?

“Mr. Morita, this is not your problem. Not only can you not make the decision, but no Japanese company can either. I am here on behalf of everyone. Whether it succeeds or not depends on Japan’s decision. As you said, you are not without options. United States Steel is also a good option.”

If they could choose U.S. Steel, why would these Japanese guys refuse? If they did business with the Americans, they would probably be ripped off even more. And once they were in the trap, it would be difficult to get off. Most importantly, they couldn't afford to gamble!
Japan thought it had a backup plan, relying on the US Steel Corporation to pressure the mining giants. But they were overthinking it. The mining giants wouldn't accept that. They had choices, and they had ways to make decisions. Above mining, they were the market manipulators. And without the iron ore from other mining giants, could they get enough iron ore from the US?
It's almost impossible. This time, Japan itself is well aware of this, and John and the other mining giants are also very aware of it. So they are not afraid that Japan will abandon cooperation and switch to the United States. As long as Japan dares to do so, they dare to cut off Japan's iron ore supply, or even other mineral resources. This is the consensus among everyone.

John wasn't originally supposed to be the villain, but the collaboration between Quantum Mining and Japan involved more than just iron ore; it also included uranium, which Japan desperately needed. That's why John was ultimately chosen to negotiate with the Japanese and secure their order.

Soon John and Akio Morita arrived at a corner of the reception, where Japanese giants in steel, metallurgy, and power were seated, along with government officials, as they needed to reach an agreement with Quantum Mining.

"Gentlemen, I know what you're all thinking. I've come to Japan this time with the approval of other mining companies to discuss iron ore supply. I previously told Mr. Morita that no one wants to wait any longer. Quantum Mining is fine, since our iron ore supply isn't primarily from Japan, and we've also reached agreements with South Korea and Taiwan. But other mining companies are different. You all need to make your decision." John cut to the chase, stating his thoughts directly, without any pretense or need for concealment. So much time had passed; everyone knew each other's cards were in the table!
When they heard John's words, the Japanese guys frowned slightly. Although they all knew each other's cards, there was no need to be so blatant. Doing so could only mean that John and the mining tycoons behind him were no longer willing to tolerate it. Their patience had reached its limit, and it was impossible to get the iron ore price they wanted from these guys. Now, they either had to compromise or part ways.

“Mr. John, is it really going to come to this? Your asking price is too high, beyond what we can afford. This will affect the survival of us in the steel industry. And if it really comes to this, we will have no choice but to compromise with American Steel and import their iron ore, which is not good for anyone!”

"I know, but I don't care. Quantum Mining's iron ore is not mainly from Japan. We have markets in Taiwan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and China. As long as Quantum Mining doesn't increase its iron ore mining, there won't be any problems. Besides, I'm just here to tell you about the decisions of the others. This is not something Quantum Mining can change. If you are unwilling to accept it, you can only part ways. The final outcome will depend on your own fate!"

“Mr. John, let’s put aside the iron ore price for now. There shouldn’t be any problem with the uranium deal, right?” At this moment, the Japanese power company stepped forward. They desperately needed uranium. Japan’s main power source is nuclear power. Without nuclear power, Japan’s economy would be in trouble, or even collapse.

For Japan, stockpiling as much uranium as possible is the right choice. They crave more power reserves, and Quantum Mining is now the world's largest uranium supplier, and can also trade refined uranium ore. This makes the Japanese even more interested, since refining requires costs.

“Regarding the uranium mine, I’ve said it before: the deal is fine, but only short-term contracts are possible. Your insistence on long-term contracts is not in Quantum Mining’s interest. If Japan thinks nuclear power is unsafe, then you should abandon nuclear power altogether, instead of haggling with me here. You should all know that Quantum Mining is the world’s largest uranium ore supplier. Of course, if you want to change Japan’s electricity supply model, then disregard what I said. Given Japan’s environment, building nuclear power plants carries enormous risks. Located in an earthquake zone, Japan could be hit by earthquakes at any time, leading to nuclear leaks. Europe is abandoning its nuclear power plans; could Japan be making the same decision?” John’s words caused the Japanese power giants to frown. They hadn’t expected John, this shrewd man, to use a feigned retreat, leaving them speechless. If they wanted long-term contracts, they would likely have to raise prices, which was the last thing they wanted, as it would affect their own interests.

“Mr. John, a one-year contract is too short. How about we compromise and get a three-year contract?”

"Impossible. Quantum Mining cannot accept such a cooperation. As you all know, Japan's economy is developing rapidly, and its demand for electricity and uranium is enormous. A lot can change in three years. If the cost of uranium mining increases and our price is too low, we will only fall into a loss-making situation. One-year contracts are the only acceptable outcome for Quantum Mining. If you want to sign a long-term contract, that is, the price of uranium must fluctuate with the market."

In the eyes of these guys in Japan, nuclear power will inevitably become the choice of more people. Although the Russians had an accident, which made the Europeans fearful and uneasy, it is impossible for them to give up the core technology. At least their economy does not allow them to do so. And the Americans will not give up. After the storm passes, the core technology will still develop by leaps and bounds, and the price will only rise and not fall. Therefore, these greedy guys want to cooperate with Quantum Mining at a low price.

These guys all think that Japan has provided tremendous help to Quantum Mining in its development to this point, and that Quantum Mining should repay them. It can only be said that they are overthinking it and are too arrogant. They are trying to use the Russian incident to lower prices. Their calculations are impossible to achieve. Quantum Mining does not only rely on uranium mines for survival, but also has other world-class mines.

“We are aware of the difficulties in quantum mining, but we are also facing significant challenges right now. Costs are constantly rising, putting immense pressure on us, and we cannot afford to experience a power shortage. We hope Mr. John can understand our predicament!”

Good grief, if threats don't work, they're now resorting to soft tactics and complaining about their difficulties. I have to say, these Japanese guys are truly shameless to the extreme. They'll stop at nothing for profit, and they'll make any sacrifice as long as they succeed.

“I understand your difficulties, but Quantum Mining also has its own. We are burdened with huge loans that need to be repaid. Therefore, I am powerless to help you with your problems, and Quantum Mining has no other options. You can reconsider and discuss it further. I will take my leave now!” With that, John stood up and left the corner. Akio Morita wanted to see him off, but the others stopped him with their gazes. They needed information about Akio Morita. They wanted to know if Akio Morita had obtained the information they wanted from John during that time.

As for how to negotiate, these guys in Japan know Quantum Mining and those mining giants very well. It's impossible for them to come up with a solution. They only have two paths to take: either accept the mining giants' demands or part ways. As for cooperating with Quantum Mining, they are at a disadvantage and have no choice!
As a mining giant and the world's largest supplier of uranium, Japan has no choice but to compromise. Unless they are willing to give up nuclear power or choose to cooperate with other mining giants, they will be unable to do without Quantum Mining. However, if they do that, the consequences will be more serious, and they will no longer have the opportunity to cooperate. They will not turn against Quantum Mining unless absolutely necessary.

(End of this chapter)