Japan’s exports slipped lower for the first time in three months in November, in a fresh sign that the economic recovery is sputtering. The value of exports fell 0.2% from a year earlier, the finance ministry said on Wednesday. Economists had forecast a 1.4% increase. Imports decreased 11.9%, compared with the consensus for an 8.6% decline. The trade deficit widened to ¥776.9 billion ($5.4 billion). Japan’s economy experienced its sharpest contraction since the height of the pandemic in the three months through September. The Bank of Japan noted in its October outlook report that exports and production “are projected ... (full story)