Annual colonial reporting and bonds were part of a struggle over where sugar and tobacco would go. The East India Company wanted those commodities for onward trade, but ships were diverting them to the Netherlands. British commercial interests therefore lost supplies and tax revenue while a recurring wartime opponent gained wealth and maritime capacity. Enforcement policy addressed the strategic consequences of commodity flows while still serving merchant profit.
Notable Point · 45:46-48:24
Plantation trade as economic warfare
The 1670 plantation legislation sought reporting and enforcement while keeping commodities from enriching a Dutch rival during repeated wars.