Why were the Portuguese unwilling to exchange bullion for products within the Asian commercial system?
a. There was little merchandise that the Portuguese considered of value in the Asian trade network.
b. The doctrine of mercantilism equated possession of bullion with power and argued against negative trade balances.
c. They were sending bullion to England to pay for weapons.
d. All of Portuguese bullion was exchanged for slaves in the African commercial system.
e. They had none.
Answer: B