International trading can probably be said to be almost as old as time itself; it is certainly as old as some of the first historical records, of which parts of the Holy Bible are. That Book records instances of trading between countries as far back as Old Testament times–the story of Joseph being traded by his brothers to Gilead traders for their goods being only one example.
International trading was already occurring through the efforts of “Old World” travelers such as Marco Polo, who brought back goods from China, as well as the Europeans, who brought back cocoa from the Aztecs. However, in the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe, the idea of “mercantilism” began to spread and grow. From then on many countries decided that their resources such as oil, stones for designer jewelry, spices, even cars have been imported/exported to other countries. It is through this thought process that things such as the favorable balance of trade, the rise of imports and exports, and other things which we still use today came into their own.
In fact, it was problems concerning exports, which included such things as export subsidies — paying domestic trade firms to reduce their prices for products which would be used by those in foreign countries — as well as import restrictions that had been enacted that were actually having a detrimental effect on free trade. For this reason, men such as Adam Smith argued against such practices, thus setting the stage for international trade as we know it today.
As the years passed, laws were passed that would provide for consumer protection, as well as ensure that international trade was conducted as fairly as possible for all involved. Thankfully, some of these laws prohibited such practices as the slave trade.
As times continued to change, and countries became involved in wars, measures for protecting the security of countries involved in international trade have become necessary. Through it all, however, international trade continues today. It will be interesting to see what the future holds.