How to build a global British Trade Empire?

[Illanair]

You will never be able to get a monopoly - only a majority. The UK aren't a trade specialized nation in EU4 as much as The Hansa or Venice. Just redirect and collect as much trade as possible and ignore the rest.

 

[Heatth]

You will never be able to get a monopoly - only a majority. The UK aren't a trade specialized nation in EU4 as much as The Hansa or Venice. Just redirect and collect as much trade as possible and ignore the rest.

If you take trade ideas you can become a huge trade power regardless. Venice and Hansa aren't as likely to be able to compete in late game trade anyway, as they lack the colonial focus. Also, it doesn't matter if it is a majority or a monopoly. If all your competitors are Europeans you are already doing your job: to steer trade away from India towards Europe.

 

[unmerged(475475)]

Also place Squadrons of light ships in the nodes you want to steer trade from. in Demo each barque was worth 3 tradepower in the node it was stationed in. Which if done correctly will magnify the effects of Steering and Collection.

I played as Portugal and Venice and just sent those Trade fleets to each node and then looked at what the ledger said. Basically you want "Trade Fleets" in each node that you have a merchant placed. With the biggest in your Capital node.(I'm not a number cruncher but those were my observations)

Remember these squadrons will be easy to defeat piecemeal like the Pirate Patrols in EU3 and the fact that they can't just stay in port and work, must patrol (as far as I can tell)

Not to mention that sending ships to protect trade will increase your naval tradition which will in turn increase your trade steering abilities.