Why did some French traders oppose Jean-Baptiste Colbert’s economic controls?

Some French traders and contractors opposed Jean-Baptiste Colbert’s economic controls because they desired to preserve their freedom of action and preferred to be responsible only to themselves.1

Colbert’s system was characterized by heavy regulation, including strict standards for manufacturing, the imposition of severe punishments for counterfeiting or workmanship shortcomings, and the creation of state-sponsored monopolies. This paternalistic, protectionist approach stood in contrast to the economic environments in countries like England and the Netherlands, where governments permitted greater entrepreneurial initiative. Furthermore, many investors at the time remained cautious, preferring traditional outlets for their capital—such as land, annuities, and moneylending—over the risks associated with investing in the state-regulated industries Colbert promoted.12