Massachusetts Bay Colony Trade: Imports and Exports (1630–1691)

The Massachusetts Bay Colony (1630–1691) operated within the British mercantile system, trading primarily with England, the West Indies, and other colonies.

Imports (from England/Europe)

• Manufactured goods: Tools, nails, hardware, firearms, gunpowder, textiles (woolens, linens), clothing, shoes.
• Household necessities: Furniture, ceramics, glassware, spices, salt, tea, rum, molasses.
• Luxury items: Fine fabrics, silver, books, paper.
• Enslaved Africans: Via West Indies (Barbados, Jamaica) and direct—integral to economy by late 17th century.

Exports (to England, West Indies, Southern Colonies, Europe)

• Fish: Cod (dried/salted) – #1 export. Fed European Catholics, West Indian slaves.
• Lumber & Naval Stores: Timber (masts, planks), tar, pitch, turpentine – critical for Royal Navy.
• Furs: Beaver, otter, marten – traded with Abenaki, Iroquois; shipped to London.
• Shipbuilding: Vessels sold or chartered – major industry by 1650.
• Agricultural surplus: Grain, livestock, barrel staves → West Indies (for sugar plantations).
• Rum (re-export): Distilled from West Indian molasses.

Trade Constraints

Navigation Acts (1651, 1660, 1663) required colonial trade on English ships, through English ports, with enumerated goods (tobacco, sugar, later fish) only to England. Smuggling (Dutch, French) was rampant.