Briefly

UNITED STATES

10% tariff slapped on lumber imports

US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he would impose 10 percent tariffs on imported timber and lumber, as well as 25 percent duties on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and upholstered furniture. The action is the first in three sectors that Trump said last week would get steep new duties as early as Oct 1, including patented pharmaceutical imports and heavy truck imports.

MADAGASCAR

President dissolves govt following protests

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina said on Monday he was dissolving the government and promised to appoint a new prime minister within three days. The announcement followed days of protests in major cities across the nation over frequent power outages and water shortages. "I have heard the call of young people and I fully understand their concerns and frustrations," Rajoelina said.

Agencies - Xinhua