Expansion of Song Maritime Trade

Timeline

1. 1091–1098Guangzhou · GuangzhouThe Northern Song established maritime trade offices in Guangzhou, Quanzhou, Mingzhou, Hangzhou and elsewhere to manage foreign merchant trade and levy duties and compulsory purchases. In the 1090s maritime trade revenue became an important supplement to state finances, and the court repeatedly adjusted maritime trade regulations to attract foreign merchants and regulate trade order.
2. 1093–1100Quanzhou Port · QuanzhouIn the 1090s Quanzhou surpassed Guangzhou to become the Northern Song's largest trading port. Zayton harbor teemed with merchant ships, and Arab, Persian, and Southeast Asian merchants settled there, forming an international port city. Exports of porcelain and silk surged, and products of the Quanzhou and Dehua kilns were sold far overseas.
3. 1095–1100Mingzhou · MingzhouNorthern Song merchant ships extended their routes to Champa, Srivijaya, Chola, and the Arab lands, while Mingzhou and Hangzhou became key ports for trade with Japan and Goryeo. Exports were mainly porcelain, silk, and copper coins; imports included spices, ivory, glass, and medicines. The trade composition grew increasingly diversified and maritime merchant capital accumulated rapidly.