Which economic policy focused on exporting more than importing?

• A. Capitalism
• B. Mercantilism
• C. Feudalism
• D. Communism

Answer: (B)

Mercantilism is the policy that aims for a trade surplus—exporting more than importing—to build national wealth. The idea is that by selling lots of goods overseas and restricting or taxing imports, a country can accumulate precious metals like gold and silver and increase its power. Governments supported this by promoting exports, limiting imports with tariffs or quotas, and often using colonies to provide resources and buyers for domestic products.

Capitalism centers on private ownership and voluntary exchange in markets, without a single overarching goal to export more than you import. Feudalism is a medieval system based on land and lord–vassal relationships, not modern trade policy. Communism emphasizes state ownership and planned production, not a focus on achieving a favorable balance of trade.