Why did empire mean trade in the 18th century?

In the 18th century, empires were closely tied to trade as they sought to expand their wealth and influence through control of resources and markets. Colonial powers established trade routes and monopolies on valuable goods like sugar, tobacco, and spices, which fueled economic growth. The establishment of trading posts and colonies enabled empires to exploit local resources, integrate global markets, and enhance their political power. Thus, the pursuit of trade became a fundamental aspect of imperial expansion and competition among European powers.