National Business

BEIJING — China’s exports rose in 2020 despite pressure from the coronavirus and a tariff war with Washington, boosting its politically volatile trade surplus to $535 billion, one of the highest ever reported. Exports increased 3.6% over 2019 to $2.

TOKYO — Japan expanded a coronavirus state of emergency to seven more prefectures Wednesday, affecting more than half the population amid a surge in infections across the country.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. government announced Wednesday that it will halt imports of cotton and tomatoes from the Uighur region of China in its most sweeping action yet to pressure the Communist Party over its campaign against ethnic minorities.

DETROIT — Tesla Inc. is balking at recalling about 159,000 vehicles with potentially defective touch screens, so U.S. safety regulators are moving to force the company to take action.

VANCOUVER — Aritzia Inc. remains optimistic about the future despite enduring forced store closures over the busy holiday season that are increasing.

TORONTO — Ontario's new COVID-19 emergency measures don't prevent construction from continuing on many developments, including condos.

CALGARY — A forecast calling for a modest increase in capital spending in the Canadian oilpatch this year after a tumultuous 2020 of budget slashing is being hailed as a sign of better times ahead for the industry.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (17,934.74, down 51.06 points.) Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (TSX:ATD.B). Consumer staples. Down $4.21, or 10.19 per cent, to $37.

OTTAWA — Nav Canada saw profits and air traffic plummet in its first quarter as fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic continues to batter the air traffic control company.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index dipped on energy weakness and a negative reaction to a potential Alimentation Couche-Tard acquisition. The S&P/TSX composite index closed down 51.06 points to 17,934.74. The second impeachment of U.S.