One feature of mercantilism was the belief that a country's wealth and power were directly related to its stock of gold and silver. This led to policies that encouraged exports and discouraged imports, as well as the accumulation of precious metals through various means, such as mining and trade surpluses. Countries also sought to acquire colonies to secure access to raw materials and markets, as well as to increase their power and prestige.
Another feature of mercantilism was the use of tariffs, quotas, and other trade barriers to protect domestic industries. This helped to ensure that domestic producers had a competitive advantage over foreign competitors, allowing them to maximize profits and expand their operations. The government also often provided financial assistance to domestic industries, such as subsidies and loans.