What goods did foreign merchants buy from China through the ports opened by Kangxi?

During the reign of the Kangxi emperor, foreign merchants purchased a variety of Chinese goods through ports such as Guangzhou, which became a primary hub for international trade following the lifting of the maritime ban in 1684.12

The primary commodities sought by foreign traders included:

• Tea: This was the major export, with demand increasing significantly throughout the 18th century.123
• Silk: A staple of the export trade, often handled by the cohong guild.123
• Porcelain: Enormous quantities of porcelain were exported, including specialized wares made to European specifications or decorated with Western motifs.145
• Lacquerware: The Kangxi period saw the first significant importation of lacquerwork into Europe, which influenced the chinoiserie craze.25
• Handcrafted Articles: This category included Canton enamels, carvings in soapstone, ivory, tortoiseshell, and mother-of-pearl, as well as furniture and fans.35
• Other Goods: Foreign merchants also traded in spices, rhubarb, and various textiles.3

These goods were often referred to in 17th- and 18th-century Europe under the broad, albeit inaccurate, term "Indian goods" because they arrived via the ships of companies like the East India Company.5