US Commerce Department Eyes Hefty Fines for Tech Exports to China; Trump to Impose Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China; Navalny's Death Anniversary Marked

The U.S. Commerce Department is expected to levy significant fines on several large companies for illegally exporting technology to China. Matthew Axelrod, former Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, stated that these investigations, initially anticipated to conclude in 2024, are now projected for 2025. Companies such as Applied Materials and Cadence Design Systems are under scrutiny for shipments to Semiconductor Manufacturing International Co. In a separate development, President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico, effective March 4, along with additional tariffs on Chinese goods. These tariffs include a 25% import tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, with Canadian energy products facing a 10% tariff, and a 10% blanket tariff on goods from China. The tariffs are aimed at addressing drug flow into the US and protecting domestic industries, but economists warn they could lead to increased prices for consumers. Meanwhile, the first anniversary of Alexei Navalny's death was marked by supporters visiting his grave in Moscow, under surveillance by CCTV cameras. John Sweeney suggests Trump should visit Navalny's grave to understand Putin's fear of Navalny.