How did navigation acts relate to mercantilism?

Navigation Acts were a series of laws enacted by England in the 17th century that aimed to regulate colonial trade and ensure that it benefited the mother country. These acts required that certain goods produced in the colonies be shipped only to England or other English colonies, reinforcing the principles of mercantilism, which prioritized national wealth through a favorable balance of trade. By controlling colonial commerce, England sought to maximize its profits and maintain economic dominance, reflecting the mercantilist belief that a nation's power depended on its wealth and resources.