How did the Ming ban on maritime trade affect Fujian?

The Ming dynasty ban on maritime commerce, implemented in 1433, marked the beginning of a significant economic decline for Fujian province.1

Prior to this policy, Fujian had flourished as a vital hub for both coastal and overseas trade, with the port of Quanzhou serving as one of the world’s most prominent commercial centers during the Song dynasty. By restricting maritime activity, the Ming government effectively dismantled the foundation of the province's prosperity as a shipbuilding and international trade center. This decline was further exacerbated later by the Qing dynasty’s policy of isolation, which had a particularly severe impact on the region during the late 17th century when Ming loyalists occupied Taiwan and the islands off the Fujian coast.1