Why was piracy a threat to the mercantilist system?

Piracy posed a significant threat to the mercantilist system by disrupting trade routes and undermining the accumulation of wealth that was central to mercantilist policies. It hindered the flow of precious metals and goods between colonies and the mother country, leading to financial losses for both merchants and governments. Additionally, the fear of piracy could deter investment in maritime ventures and trade, ultimately destabilizing the economic framework that relied on controlled and profitable colonial commerce.