Conversation so far:
What furs were being traded in the North American fur trade?
The earliest European trading for beaver pelts dated to the growing cod fishing industry that spread to the Grand Banks of the North Atlantic in the 16th century.
Who was trading in the North Atlantic in the 16th century during the North American fur trade?
The fisherman sought suitable harbors with ample lumber to dry large quantities of cod. This generated their earliest contact with local Aboriginal peoples, with whom the fisherman began simple trading.

Question: What were they trading for the skins?
Self-contained rewrite: What were the 16th century fishermen trading for the skins during the North American fur trade?