The East India Company's commercial network included exchanges within Asia. Routes around the Indian Ocean served both sides of India, while other circuits connected the South and East China Seas. Cargo could circulate through these regional markets as part of a larger global business. Japan participated when merchants had permission to call there. Focusing solely on shipments back to Europe misses this source of commercial activity.
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The East India Company's trade within Asia
Regional trading circuits helped sustain the company's global commerce alongside voyages to Europe.