Conclusion of the Request for Document Production, etc. from the U.S. Judicial Administrative Authority

As announced in the "The receipt of a request for document production from the U.S. judicial administrative authority" dated October 16, 2017 (local time), Kobe Steel USA Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Kobe Steel, Ltd. ("Kobe Steel"), received a document from the U.S. judicial administrative authority (i.e., a grand jury as part of a U.S. Department of Justice investigation) requesting the production of documents related to non-conformity with the specifications of products sold by Kobe Steel, the U.S. subsidiary or our affiliated companies (the "Kobe Steel Group") to U.S. customers in connection with the misconduct we had disclosed on October 8, 2017. The Kobe Steel Group has endeavored to cooperate sincerely with the U.S. Department of Justice investigation, including by preserving documents and providing information.

Today, the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that it does not require further production or preservation of documents pursuant to the subpoena. Based on this information, it is the understanding of Kobe Steel that the above-referenced investigation is no longer active. Kobe Steel thus anticipates the above-referenced investigation will not result in a further government enforcement action.