1766-Nov.-01: A critical clause in the new British trade act forbade the import of major colonial staples, such as sugar, coffee, and indigo, into British is…

1766-Nov.-01: A critical clause in the new British trade act forbade the import of major colonial staples, such as sugar, coffee, and indigo, into British islands from foreign colonies. The restriction applied to a wide range of goods including ginger, pimento, cocoa, and various woods used for dyeing. By barring these items, Great Britain sought to prevent foreign competition from undermining the value of its own plantation products. These regulations highlighted the intensifying mercantilist competition between the French and British empires in the Antilles.