The central idea of mercantilism is there should be an export surplus so a nation can accumulate precious metals.

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A complex political and economic theory, mercantilism viewed precious metals such as gold and silver as the only source of wealth, and their accumulation as essential to a nation's welfare. Because England had no gold or silver mines, mercantilists looked to exploration and international trade to supply these metals. The government established restrictions such as import duties to reduce imports, and subsidies to exporters to increase exports. In addition to protecting jobs within the mercantilist nation, those acts created a trade surplus meant to generate increased holdings of gold and silver.

The Central Idea of Mercantilism Is There Should Be an Export