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Rh on trade were gradually relaxed but the commerce between Mexico and the Far East was never prosperous in the colonial era, nor did it cover even as wide a range of articles as the trade with the home country. Silver went westward, also some iron, cochineal, cocoa, wine, oil, and wool. Eastward the cargo was chiefly of silks. Smaller quantities of spices, china, and other Oriental wares were imported.

Almost a half-century passed between the ordinance of free commerce of 1778 and the establishment of the republic, but the actual development of commerce under the new conditions was disappointing. Statistics are incomplete and the totals were probably greater than the official returns show, but they were far from satisfactory. In the latter portion of the period, 1796 to 1820, the average announced value of imports was 10,000,000 pesos, that of the exports about 11,000,000. The continuance of the policy of shutting out foreigners, the troubles of the government at home, international conflicts, and an illiberal policy in Mexico itself prevented the growth that might have occurred.

The main characteristics of foreign commerce were unchanged. Trade went by Vera Cruz to Acapulco. It continued to go in fleets. The exports were silver plus some raw materials; the imports were