Why did the Kings want their colonies to trade only with the mother country?

The Kings wanted their colonies to trade only with the mother country to ensure a steady flow of wealth and resources back to the home nation, thereby strengthening its economy. This policy, known as mercantilism, aimed to create a favorable balance of trade, minimizing imports from rival nations while maximizing exports. By controlling colonial trade, the Kings also sought to maintain political power and influence over their colonies, ensuring loyalty and reducing the risk of economic independence.