El comercio en Nueva España

Trade Routes and Products in New Spain

Overview of Transoceanic Trade

• The transoceanic trade of New Spain was tightly controlled by the Spanish, with two primary routes connecting their territories: the Pacific route linking Manila to Acapulco and the Atlantic route connecting Veracruz to Seville and Cadiz.

Safeguarding Wealth

• Merchant ships transported approximately 200 tons of merchandise annually, departing once or twice a year. A royal decree in 1542 mandated that these ships travel in fleets, escorted by warships for protection against privateers from England, France, and the Netherlands.

Fleet Composition

• Each fleet included a war captain, an admiral, 100 sailors per ship, along with armaments such as muskets (100 per ship), bronze cannons (8), iron cannons (4), and smaller defense pieces (24).

Exported Goods from New Spain

• Exports from Veracruz to Europe included silver, gold, gems, spices, cochineal, and various fruits and plants. Additionally, products arriving from Asia through Acapulco were transported overland to Europe.

Imported Goods to New World