The Transit Policy and the Development of the Austrian Netherlands' Baltic trade in the eighteenth century

This article focusses firstly on how the Austrian Netherlands' Transit policy increased the commercial hinterland of the port of Ostend in the eighteenth century. This was done by both building an elaborate road network and by modernising the waterway system, but also by creating a moderate mercantilist customs system. Secondly, the trade relations of the Baltic region with the Austrian Netherlands are analysed to see whether the Transit policy had an impact on these commercial relations. Four products are analysed, namely linseed, pinewood boards, potash and hemp. Two conclusions can be drawn, firstly that the Austrian Netherlands relied less and less on the Dutch Republic to import Baltic products; and secondly that the import of raw material increased as the Belgian industry grew.