What continents were linked in trade by the 1500s

Trade with Asia 1500 - 1800: Exchanges. During the period 1500 - 1800 Asian commodities flooded into the West. As well as spices and tea, they included silks, cottons, porcelains and other luxury goods. Since few European products could be successfully sold in bulk in Asian markets, these imports were paid for with silver.

Europe, Africa and asia