What was the significance of the opium trade in China in the nineteenth century?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The opium trade in the nineteenth century was significant because it reversed the trade imbalance in favor of Britain. Before the opium trade, Britain had a trade deficit with China, as it imported more from China (mainly tea, silk, and porcelain) than it exported to it. By selling opium to China, Britain was able to reverse this imbalance, as the sale of opium brought a significant flow of silver from China to Britain.

What Was the Significance of the Opium Trade in China