The Portuguese first developed trade between India and the East Indies and Europe. The Spanish, Dutch, French, and English followed. Their commercial empires led to colonial empires. Today's trade routes are almost numberless and cover the entire world. Highways and networks of railroads cover continents.
Airplanes connect distant points on the globe.
Ships carry goods on the world's oceans and waterways. The United States government lists 30 trade routes over which it believes adequate ship service is essential to the national interest. Alan W. Cafruny, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Government, Hamilton College. How to cite this article.