Which goods have traditionally been shipped across the Atlantic Ocean?

The Atlantic Ocean has served as a vital oceanic highway for centuries, facilitating the movement of a diverse range of goods between continents.1

Historical Trade

From the 16th to the 19th century, the transatlantic slave trade was a central and tragic feature of Atlantic shipping. This period was defined by the triangular trade, a model in which:2
* Europe to Africa: Ships transported manufactured goods, including metals, tools, textiles, firearms, ammunition, and alcoholic beverages.3
* Africa to the Americas: Enslaved people were forcibly transported across the Atlantic, a journey known as the Middle Passage.3
* The Americas to Europe: Ships carried plantation products and raw materials, such as sugar, rice, tobacco, cotton, molasses, and rum.3

Modern Commodity Trade

Today, Atlantic trade is dominated by the movement of bulk cargoes and manufactured goods.1
* Bulk Cargoes: Major commodities shipped include crude oil, coal, grain, iron ore, and bauxite.14
* Manufactured Goods: Trade in the opposite direction—from industrial centers to consumer markets—is typically dominated by machinery, motor vehicles, and other durable goods.1