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A primary goal of mercantile policies was to increase national wealth through the establishment of a trade surplus. Mercantilism, which dominated European economic thought from the 16th to the 18th centuries, emphasized the importance of maximizing exports while minimizing imports. This approach was based on the belief that a nation's strength depended on its wealth, particularly in precious metals like gold and silver. By ensuring that exports exceeded imports, countries aimed to accumulate wealth and enhance their economic power relative to other nations.

The focus on state intervention in the economy, including the regulation of trade and the promotion of domestic industries, was intended to fulfill this goal. Accordingly, nations enacted various laws and tariffs that encouraged their industries and limited foreign competition, all aimed at fostering a favorable balance of trade. Given this framework, it's clear why increasing national wealth through trade surplus represents a central tenet of mercantile policies.