Mercantilism

What is Mercantilism?

Mercantilism is an economic theory that emphasizes self-sufficiency through a favorable balance of trade. Mercantilist policies focus on the accumulation of wealth and resources while maintaining a positive trade balance with other countries. By maximizing exports and minimizing imports, mercantilism is also viewed as a form of economic protectionism.

Originating in 16th-century Europe, mercantilism is now viewed as a mostly outdated economic theory, replaced by the supply and demand forces of the market economy. Present-day mercantilism commonly refers to economic policies that restrict the importation of foreign goods.

History of Mercantilism

Originating in 16th-century Europe, mercantilism began with the emergence of the nation-state. The dominant economic theory was that the global supply of wealth was finite, and it was in the nation’s best interest to accumulate as much as possible. During that time, wealth was measured by a country’s quantity of silver and gold. To accumulate more wealth, European countries, such as Britain and France, would focus on maximizing their exports and minimizing imports, which resulted in a favorable balance of trade.

For countries with a negative trade balance with a mercantilist country, the difference would be paid back in silver or gold. To maintain a favorable trade balance, the early mercantilist countries would enact imperialist policies by setting up colonies in smaller nations.

The aim was to extract raw material to send back to the home country, where it would be refined into manufactured goods. The goods would then be resold to the colonies, allowing early mercantilist nations to accumulate wealth through a positive trade balance.

Mercantilist Ideology

As an economic theory, mercantilism relies on government intervention to regulate international trade and protect domestic industries. Mercantilist policies involve the protection of domestic corporations through regulations and the promotion of trade surpluses. In the context of international trade, a favorable trade balance is achieved through government regulations, such as tariffs and restrictions on imports.

On the domestic side, mercantilist policies support domestic industries by establishing monopolies and allocating capital to encourage growth. Such policies are a form of economic protectionism meant to encourage self-sufficiency and are in direct opposition to the free-market economics of trade and globalization.

From Mercantilism to the Market Economy

By the end of the 18th century, scholars, such as Adam Smith and David Hume, began to evaluate and critique the merits of mercantilist theory. Contrary to established beliefs, the scholars realized that wealth was not finite, but could be created through the productive allocation of labor.

Mercantilist policies also failed to account for the benefits of trade, such as comparative advantage and economies of scale. When countries specialize in the production of goods for which they enjoy a comparative advantage, trade can result in mutually beneficial deals. Such a realization resulted in the emergence of the market economy, where prices and means of production were driven by the forces of supply and demand.

Under a mercantilist system, the restriction of imports meant consumers obtained access to fewer goods at higher prices. Under a system of free trade, consumers benefit from lower prices due to increased competition and greater access to goods from across the world.

Present-Day Mercantilism

Although mercantilism is mostly viewed as an outdated economic theory, there has been an emergence of mercantilist policies in recent times. Present-day mercantilism typically refers to protectionist policies that restrict imports to support domestic industries. It can sometimes be referred to as neomercantilism.

Modern mercantilist policies include tariffs on imports, subsidizing domestic industries, devaluation of currencies, and restrictions on the migration of foreign labor. Mercantilist policies can also explain the recent escalation of tariffs and trade restrictions between the US and China.

Related Readings

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In order to help you become a world-class financial analyst and advance your career to your fullest potential, these additional resources will be very helpful:

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