1. of, relating to, or characteristic of mercantilism; emphasizing the accumulation of wealth through trade and the maintenance of a favorable balance of exports over imports
Usage: often used in historical and economic contexts; typically applied to economic policies or systems

Examples

• The mercantilistic policies of 17th-century European nations aimed to maximize exports and minimize imports.
• Britain's mercantilistic approach to colonial trade restricted American manufacturing to protect domestic industries.
• Modern economists often criticize mercantilistic thinking as outdated and economically inefficient.
• The mercantilistic system relied heavily on government regulation of commerce and navigation acts.
• Some argue that certain trade barriers reflect mercantilistic attitudes despite contemporary free-market ideology.