Japan had its first annual trade deficit in more than 30 years in 2011, raising concerns that the nation’s economy could be losing its competitive edge. Part of the dip is due to the March earthquake and tsunami, which raised fuel-import costs while slowing global growth. Fuel prices skyrocketed as the country shut down its nuclear power plants. Only four of the country’s 54 nuclear power reactors are currently running. But analysts worry it may be part of a larger trend.
