Britain looks to help steel plant in face of potential sale

Banners supporting local steel workers are seen outside the Tata steel plant in Port Talbot, Wales, Wednesday March 30, 2016. UK authorities say they will look at all viable options to keep the British steel industry at the heart of its manufacturing base after Tata Steel announced it may sell its UK assets. The sale could put thousands of jobs at risk. (Andrew Matthews/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT (The Associated Press)

The Tata steel plant dominates the skyline over the roof tops of Port Talbot, Wales, Wednesday March 30, 2016. UK authorities say they will look at all viable options to keep the British steel industry at the heart of its manufacturing base after Tata Steel announced it may sell its UK assets. The sale could put thousands of jobs at risk. (Andrew Matthews/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT (The Associated Press)

LONDON – U.K. authorities say they will look at "all viable options" to shore up British steel making after Tata Steel said it may sell its U.K. operations.

The pledge by the governments of Britain and Wales on Wednesday comes after Tata's board expressed concern for the deteriorating performance of the U.K. unit and concluded it was time to explore all options for restructuring, "including the potential divestment of Tata Steel U.K., in whole or in parts."

The British and Welsh governments said they "remain committed to working with Tata and the unions on a long term sustainable future for British steel making."

Britain's steel industry has been hit hard by cheap Chinese imports, which have depressed prices, and manufacturers want anti-dumping duties to be imposed.