Global trade expanded significantly between 1450-1750, driven by demand for silver, sugar, spices and other commodities. The top trading commodities of this period were silver, slaves, sugar, spices and furs. This growth was facilitated by the rise of European trading empires and companies that established colonial outposts and monopolies. Key developments included the transatlantic slave trade, growth of the fur trade between Europe, Russia and North America, and the establishment of the Dutch and British East India Companies.