"hurt competitiveness" is a correct phrase and is usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to when one's success in a competitive environment is hindered due to external sources. For example: "The government's regulations on foreign trade hurt competitiveness in the industry."
Overheating has hurt competitiveness.
A strong yen has also hurt competitiveness among Japanese exporters.
Nor does greater disclosure seem to hurt competitiveness.
Imports fell as aggressive monetary tightening reduced consumer demand, but exports fell more as a strong currency continues to hurt competitiveness.
Although the oil-related rise in the krone has hurt competitiveness, GDP growth on Norway's mainland is expected to rise to 1¾% this year and 2½% in 2003.
Rice is highly politicized in Thailand, and this year, partly to appease disgruntled farmers, the government put in place a price guarantee system that has hurt competitiveness, leading to stockpiles of unsold rice.
"And though some in industry say this hurts competitiveness, renewable energy will create new businesses, too".
Moreover, payroll taxes have hurt businesses and workers by increasing labor costs and the prices of goods - which hurts competitiveness -and reducing take-home pay.
Business recognises there are tough choices to be made in balancing the books, but many are reaching a tipping point, where the cumulative burden of the living wage, apprenticeship levy and business rates risk hurting competitiveness.
Though that practice may give firms an edge in the short term, in the long run it undermines consumers' trust, which in turn hurts competitiveness, say authors Morey, Forbath, and Schoop.
Ongoing quality issues are hurting competitiveness and cutting into revenue.
