1784-August-30: Following the end of the American Revolution, the French government issued a decree known as the Arrêt to regulate trade with its colonies.

1784-August-30: Following the end of the American Revolution, the French government issued a decree known as the Arrêt to regulate trade with its colonies. This decree officially opened several ports in Saint-Domingue to foreign vessels carrying essential goods like timber, salt, and livestock. In exchange, American merchants were permitted to export molasses and rum back to the United States. While this was a significant concession, many American merchants felt the restrictions on flour and sugar remained too severe. The decree highlighted the ongoing tension between French mercantilist policy and the American demand for free trade.