In 1803 when France and Great Britain were at war with each other why did both countries seize U.S merchant ships?

In 1803, during the Napoleonic Wars, both France and Great Britain seized U.S. merchant ships to disrupt each other's trade and bolster their own economic interests. The U.S. was a neutral party, but its vessels were often caught in the crossfire as both nations sought to weaken the other's economy by targeting American shipping. This conflict led to tensions between the U.S. and both European powers, ultimately contributing to the War of 1812.