Question

How did weather contribute to trading on the Indian Ocean?

Answer 1

The economic development of the littoral countries since the mid-20th century has been uneven, following attainment of independence by most states. The formation of regional trade blocs led to an increase in sea trade and the development of new products. Most Indian Ocean states have continued to export raw materials and import manufactured goods produced elsewhere, with a few exceptions like Australia, India, and South Africa. Petroleum dominates commerce, as the Indian Ocean has come to be an important throughway for transport of crude oil to Europe, North America, and East Asia. Other major commodities include iron, coal, rubber, and tea. Iron ore from Western Australia state and from India and South Africa is shipped to Japan, while coal is exported to the United Kingdom from Australia via the Indian Ocean. Processed seafood has emerged as a major export item from the littoral states. In addition, tourism has grown in importance on many of the islands.