Why were pelts so valuable in the fur trade?

Pelts were highly valuable in the fur trade due to their warmth, durability, and aesthetic appeal, making them desirable for clothing and accessories. The demand for fur garments, especially in Europe and North America, drove prices up, as pelts from animals like beavers, otters, and minks became symbols of status and luxury. Additionally, the fur trade facilitated economic exchanges between Indigenous peoples and European settlers, further increasing the value of pelts as a commodity.