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# Madeira Wine Trade Exception

## Definition

The special trade arrangement that allowed Madeira wine, not being a European commodity, to be imported directly into American and West Indian colonies despite general restrictions on European wine imports. This exception arose because Madeira enjoyed free trade status with the colonies, while European wines faced heavy duties that were not fully drawn back on re-exportation.

## Source Chapter

Book IV, Chapter 4

## Context

The chapter uses this exception to explain the establishment of a general taste for Madeira wine in the colonies and subsequently in Britain. The differential treatment of Madeira wine illustrates how trade policies could create unintended market preferences and how exceptions to general rules could have significant commercial consequences.

## Economic Domain

Exchange

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