Timeline of international trade

This is a timeline of the history of international trade which chronicles notable events that have affected the trade between various countries.

In the era before the rise of the nation state, the term 'international' trade cannot be literally applied, but simply means trade over long distances; the sort of movement in goods which would represent international trade in the modern world.

The desert Cities in the Negev were linked to the Mediterranean end of the ancient Incense Route .
Roman trade with India according to the Periplus Maris Erythraei , 1st century CE
A modern camel caravan travels across the Sahara .
The Columbian Exchange introduced New World plants, animals, and diseases to the Old World. Clockwise, from top left: Maize , Tomato , Potato , Vanilla , Pará rubber tree , Cacao , and Tobacco .
The Columbian Exchange introduced Old World plants, animals, and diseases to the New World. Clockwise, from top left: Citrus , Apple , Banana , Mango , Onion , Coffee , Wheat , and Rice .
The Dutch used the fluyt , ships dedicated to carrying cargo, to transport goods across oceans.
Monopolistic activity by the British East India Company triggered the Boston Tea Party .
A world map of WTO participation:
Members
Members, dually represented with the European Union and UK
Observer, ongoing accession
Observer
Non-member, negotiations pending
Non-member