Capital supply in Gothenburg's foreign trade, 1765–1810

Abstract

Abstract This section is not intended to be an enquiry into the total capital needs of Gothenburg's foreign trade. Such an enquiry would not be possible for lack of source material. However, an earlier study of mine of Gothenburg's foreign trade in 1765–1800 furnishes a basis on which to compile an account of the various fields in which the city merchants of the eighteenth century availed themselves of credit. The capital needs of prominent businessmen were largely conditioned by the structure not only of trade but also of contemporary industry and handicrafts inasmuch as the exporter was compelled to take a part in financing the production of goods for export and the importer similarly gave credit to the manufacturers and craftsmen who were the consumers of imported goods. A brief account of conditions in the export and import trades may therefore be pertinent.