Was mercantilism a fair economic system?

Mercantilism, which dominated European economic thought from the 16th to the 18th century, prioritized national power and wealth accumulation through trade regulation and colonial expansion. While it aimed to strengthen nations by maximizing exports and minimizing imports, it often resulted in exploitation of colonies and limited economic opportunities for lower classes. The system favored wealthy merchants and state interests over equitable wealth distribution, making it inherently unfair for many. Thus, while it may have bolstered national economies, it did so at the expense of fairness and social equity.