The company said the Japan disaster had added to supply chain problems, while profits from its European division were also below expectations.

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The immediate impact is of the natural disaster in Japan on the supply chain is clear.

FORBES: Supply Chain Lessons From Japan

The electronic and automotive industries are highly dependent on supplies that come from Japan, and even the most forward-thinking companies, like Apple, have seen supply chain disruptions due to the disaster.

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In the Fukushima nuclear disaster, the world learned a lesson about how easily a global supply chain can be disrupted.

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For a company like Apple (AAPL) that relies heavily on Japanese partners for critical components for its iPhone and iPad, the decision to keep its supply chain lean has painful implications when faced with the disruption caused the Japanese disaster.

FORBES: Supply Chain Lessons From Japan